Abuja: The Federal Government, alongside the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES), has announced a commitment to advancing climate adaptation financing and the sustainable development of livestock.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this commitment was expressed during a breakfast meeting held in Abuja. Alhaji Idi Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, emphasized the necessity for collaboration and integration of resources to achieve environmental stewardship while ensuring economic viability, food security, and social equity.
The meeting was organized by AGNES and the German International Cooperation (GIZ), among other stakeholders, under the theme ‘Strengthening Capacities to Access Climate Adaptation Finance for Climate-Resilient Livestock Production Systems in Nigeria.’ The primary objective was to engage the private sector regarding the opportunities and barriers that limit investments in Nigeria’s livestock systems.
Maiha highlighted the significance of the event in exploring financing options for a resilient and sustainable livestock system in Nigeria. He noted that this initiative aims to integrate environmental stewardship with economic viability and social equity, crucial for development, economic growth, and food security. Maiha described the intervention by BMZ as both timely and necessary, marking a paradigm shift that requires extensive collaboration and resources for systemic change.
The meeting aligns with the ministry’s strategic plan to transform Nigeria’s livestock industry into a globally competitive sector. According to Maiha, this transformation will unlock the sector’s potential for job creation, economic diversification, and the resolution of longstanding conflicts between farmers and herders.
Maiha also mentioned the development of the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) and the Nigeria Livestock Master Plan. He noted the increasing importance of animal welfare and traceability in trade, as livestock are frequently implicated in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Furthermore, the carbon footprint of livestock products and responsible production systems are under scrutiny.
Dr. George Ogw, Team Leader at AGNES, explained the organization’s role in providing an effective framework for stakeholders to collaboratively address challenges in the country’s livestock sector. He emphasized that collaboration is essential for the growth and harnessing of the sector’s potential, and assured continued engagement towards achieving the set targets.
Dr. Francis Toromade, Director-General of the Feed Industries Practitioners Association of Nigeria (FIPAN), stated that the organization’s mandate is to ensure the provision of adequate materials, ingredients, feed, and fodder, among other essentials, for the sector.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria