For improved productivity, quality and resilient livestock sector, a University don, Prof Godfrey Adokiye Kalio has proposed investment in the sector.
He made the proposal while delivering the 60th Inaugural lecture of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni Port-Harcourt.
The Prof of Ruminant Nutrition and Production who spoke on the topic “ The Good Shepherd: Responsive Animal Agriculture for Protein Security in Nigeria” highlighted the need to initiate efforts that would promote modern farming practices, provide access to veterinary services and health care and enhance the genetic potential of livestock breeds through selective breeding and technology adoption.
He hinted that supporting small holder farmers who constitute the majority of livestock producers in Nigeria, is crucial for inclusive growth and poverty alleviation adding that empowering farmers with training, credit facilities and market linkages can enhance their capacity to raise healthy and productive animals sustainably.
Prof. Kalio maintained that investing in infrastructure such as roads, cold storage facilities and market centres can improve the efficiency of livestock value chains, reduce post harvest losses and ensure fair prices for both producers and consumers.
According to him, efforts to promote alternative sources of animal protein such as fish farming and insects rearing can diversify the protein supply and reduce reliance on traditional livestock farming.
He further informed that investing in fish hatcheries, pond construction and fish feed production, can boost Nigeria’s domestic fish production, enhance food security while creating employment opportunities in rural areas.
The 60th inaugural lecturer opined that promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in animal production is essential for mitigating the impact of livestock farming on natural resources and climate change.
He called for the adoption of agro ecological principles such as rotational grazing and integrated pest management that can improve soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the resilience of the agro-ecosystem.
The Dean of Faculty of Agriculture stated that ensuring animal protein security in Nigeria requires a holistic and multistakeholder approach that would address the challenges faced by the livestock sector while promoting innovation, inclusivity and sustainability.
These he stressed can be made possible with the investment of livestock value chain, supporting smallholder farmers, promotion of alternative protein sources, adopting sustainable practices which can enhance food security, improve nutrition and foster economic development for the benefits of Nigerians.
Prof Kalio who reiterated that the Good Shepherd is the key personality in the Animal Agriculture value chain recommended that a workable models should be promoted for Public Private Partnership (PPP) to increase investments in Animal Agriculture at the Faculties of Agriculture in Universities across the country.
He also suggested that the animal production sections ( poultry, piggery, rabbitery and goatery) and the students’ experimental pens in the Teaching and Research farms and laboratories of the newly established Faculty of Agriculture in the University should be reconstructed and equipped with modern facilities and equipment to promote research and development for increased animal protein availablity.
In his speech, the Acting Vice Chancellor of IAUE Prof Okechuku Onuchuku commended Prof Godfrey Adokiye Kalio for his expository lecture and expressed hope that his recommendations would be adhered to. The Pro-chancellor and Chairman of IAUE Governing Council Chief Barr Adokiye Amiesimaka and Prof Jason Ossai were among the dignitaries that graced the occasion.
