Abuja: The Federal Government has announced that over 1.44 million Nigerians have benefited from the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) since its inception, surpassing the initial target of 1.43 million beneficiaries. Dr Sanusi Abubakar, the National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, shared this information during the project’s mid-term review meeting, highlighting the project’s significant reach and impact.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the project has reached 546,000 females and 903,000 males, illustrating its broad influence. The interventions provided under L-PRES, such as training, advisory services, vaccination campaigns, pasture development, infrastructure support, and input distribution, have enabled farmers to boost productivity, resilience, and income generation. Livestock production indicators have improved, with a notable rise in milk production per cow and increased cattle carcass weight. Similarly, sheep and goat production have shown progress, reflecting the project’s comprehensive approach to enhancing livestock productivity.
Dr Abubakar emphasized the importance of animal health interventions as a foundational element of the project. He noted that the livestock sector presents substantial economic opportunities, with the potential to create jobs, improve food security, expand exports, and support rural livelihoods. The project has provided agricultural services to over 388,000 farmers, with more than 101,000 adopting improved livestock technologies. Additionally, specialized training for over 6,184 personnel, including extension workers, veterinary officers, and artificial insemination technicians, has been a significant step in institutional strengthening.
The project has also facilitated artificial insemination services for 1,492 farmers, resulting in over 3,489 cattle being inseminated. Dr Abubakar highlighted the project’s role in expanding economic opportunities for women and strengthening household resilience in rural communities. Funded by the World Bank at $500 million over six years, L-PRES aims to enhance livestock productivity, resilience, and value chain commercialization, aligning with the Federal Government’s Livestock Transformation Agenda under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr Menniviel Sene, the World Bank Task Team Leader for L-PRES, called for accelerated implementation to ensure sustainable results for farmers and communities, emphasizing the project’s importance in driving progress and development within Nigeria’s livestock sector.