Diversification: Govt to commence livestock census

THE Federal Government has concluded plans to conduct a census of livestock in the country. The exercise will include all domesticated animals nationwide.

  The move was scripted to establish and enhance the database of  resources within the economy, for more effective planning, under the administration’s economic diversification agenda. 

  At the moment, the country does not have a reliable data of its livestock population. The last time the nation conducted a random survey of livestock in selected states was in 1990, which even  failed to produce a dependable data that could  guide formulators on proper policy planning  and framework  development for the sub-sector.  

  The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) had prescribed headcounts for livestocks in every economy at least once in every decade. 

Essentially, the census is expected to determine the contribution of livestocks within the context of the agriculture sector, to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

  Specifically, the exercise is expected to help in proper planning and policy for the development of the livestock industry; determinine the type of technical and financial assistance for industry operators; give farmers opportunity of contributing to decisions  that affect them; reduce poverty by promoting the employment and enhancing the income of the farmers; and assist investors’ decision on type, volume and location of projects. 

  Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja where final input for the livestock enumeration exercise plan was X-rayed, , the Team Leader, Poultry Value Chain of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Prof.  Funsho Sonaiya explained that the scheme had become imperative because it was long overdue, and called for the cooperation of farmers to ensure the success of the programme.

  He assured the farmers that the livestock census was not about tax computation, hence the need to be sincere and not hide some of the animals from the enumerators when they come around. 

  Instead, he explained that the exercise will help the Federal Government with accurate data for planning and better policy formulation.

Basing his argument on the standpoint of FAO, he said livestock products account for half of the total value of agricultural gross output in industrialised countries and about a third in developing nations. 

  “Livestock products contribute substantially to national economies. Animal products such as meat, milk and eggs help to enhance human nutrition. Animal products lead to the establishment of industries on cotton and clothes (animal furs); diary products ( milk, egg, cheese  among others); leather products ( hides and skin); pharmaceutical products; ornamentals; bio- diversity; and many others along the value chain.

 “Livestock production leads to improved rural livelihood. It provides an alternative to the landless farmer and diversification for landed farmer. It embodies savings and reserves against emergencies and has a good return on investment.”

  The forum which was  also attended by the Director of the newly established Department of Animal Production and Husbandry Services in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Ademola Raji; the Provost of the College of Agriculture; heads of Animal Research Institutes; VeterinaryResearch Centres ; leaders of various livestocks Associators and representatives of the supporting international organisations.

  Notable livestocks listed for enumeration include cattle, sheep, goats, donkeys, dogs, poultry, guinea fowl, pigeon, geeze,  pigs, giant rats, snails, horses  and camels, among others.