By Chinyere Anyanwu
To strengthen food security, economic diversification and sustainable livelihoods across the country, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has commenced a strategic baseline data collection, monitoring and evidence-based policy planning.
The study is expected to provide a reliable foundation for the ministry’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework and support informed decision-making across the livestock value chain. According to the ministry, the exercise covers 67 key result indicators designed to assess the current state of the sector, monitor performance trends, and guide future investments and policy interventions.
The ministry, in a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Henrietta Okokon, said the initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader drive to promote accountability, transparency, and results-driven governance in line with national development priorities.
Fielding activities for the survey were carried out between April 20 and 24, 2026, using a mixed-method research approach that combined secondary data analysis, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to ensure both statistical accuracy and practical insights.
The ministry said the study adopts a comprehensive value chain approach that captures major components of the livestock industry, including cattle production for beef and dairy, poultry production covering broilers, layers, and hatcheries, as well as sheep, goats, piggery, micro livestock, feed and fodder systems, veterinary services, transportation, and market infrastructure.
To ensure broad representation, field engagements were conducted across six states selected to reflect Nigeria’s diverse production systems and geographical spread.
Participants involved in the exercise included livestock farmers, pastoralists, ranch owners, processors, traders, aggregators, marketers, input suppliers, service providers, and relevant government and regulatory agencies.
The ministry noted that the focus group discussions helped to identify production constraints, market realities, and performance challenges within the sector, while interviews with government officials, technical specialists, and private sector operators provided institutional and industry perspectives.
Findings from the baseline study are expected to be released in the coming weeks and will serve as a benchmark for tracking sectoral progress, improving coordination, and shaping targeted interventions across the livestock ecosystem.
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