17 States Benefit from $546 Million Livestock Support Project

A total of 223,097 beneficiaries from 17 states have received funding from the $546 million Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), a major initiative by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security aimed at boosting livestock productivity across Nigeria.

The L-PRES project, which was established to enhance livestock productivity, commercialization, and resilience, is expected to run from 2022 to 2028. Speaking at a media workshop in Abuja, Sanusi Abubakar, the national project coordinator, outlined the key components of the initiative, which is being implemented at the state level through a Subsidiary Loan Agreement (SLA).

“The project focuses on several critical areas, including Institution and Innovation System Strengthening ($95 million), Animal Husbandry and Advisory Support Services ($40 million), Animal Health Services ($40 million), Livestock Value Chain Enhancement ($275 million), Crisis Prevention and Conflict Mitigation ($100 million), and Natural Resources Management and Pasture Improvement ($70 million),” Abubakar said.

Funded by a $500 million loan secured in 2021, with an additional $46 million in counterpart funding over six years, L-PRES is designed to tackle the challenges facing Nigeria’s livestock sector. These include climate change, limited value addition, poor market access, inadequate infrastructure, disease outbreaks, and conflicts between herders and farmers.

The project adopts an integrated approach, offering interventions aimed at strengthening livestock systems and ensuring resilience. So far, over 223,000 beneficiaries have been identified across the participating states to ensure that the support reaches the right farmers and livestock producers.

Additional initiatives under L-PRES include the development of livestock service centers, geospatial mapping of natural resources, and the establishment of livestock value chain hubs and small ruminant holding pens in communities.

Looking ahead, Abubakar revealed that the National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) will soon be launched to enhance livestock management nationwide. He also announced plans to establish two Livestock Gene Banks, aimed at improving breed development and conservation.

The L-PRES project underscores the importance of the livestock sector to Nigeria’s economy and food security, aiming to overcome existing challenges and strengthen the industry for future growth.