The Kwara Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (Kwara L-PRES) has been conducting step-down training sessions on small ruminant farming across various local governments in the state. The initiative, which has already reached multiple communities, focuses on livestock feed formulation, animal health management, and sustainable goat and sheep farming to enhance productivity and profitability for local farmers.
The step-down training approach allows previously trained participants to educate and mentor new farmers in their communities, ensuring wider knowledge dissemination and sustainability. Recent sessions were held in Amoyo (Ifelodun LGA) and Idi Igba (Ilorin West LGA), with more scheduled to take place across the state.
The training, which focused on feed formulation, intensive livestock management, and wealth creation through goat and sheep farming, was facilitated by Alhaji Zhulkarnayn Tope Oniye and Alhaji Shuaib Obalowu.
Speaking during the session, Oniye emphasized the economic potential of small ruminants, urging farmers to embrace feed formulation techniques to maximize productivity at lower costs. He demonstrated how waste materials such as bone meal, rice husks, wheat bran, and cassava peels could be converted into affordable and nutritious livestock feed.
“We need to start looking inwards to sustain our economy. With the right feed formulation and management techniques, goat and sheep farming can generate wealth for individuals and communities,” Oniye stated.
Alhaji Shuaib Obalowu, another facilitator, discouraged extensive farming, citing its inefficiency. He recommended intensive farming as the best practice, highlighting the profitability of structured animal husbandry, particularly for goats and sheep.
The event yesterday at Idi-igba witnessed the participation of key government officials, including Hon. Ladan, Chairman of Ilorin West Local Government, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to agricultural development. He referenced Saudi Arabia’s recent request for Nigeria to supply two million goats, stressing the need for local farmers to position themselves for such international opportunities.
We are ready to support this initiative because agriculture remains a critical tool for economic empowerment. If we strengthen our livestock production, we can meet local and international demands,” he said.
Hon. Oba Magaji, Leader of the Kwara State House of Assembly, assured attendees that the state legislature is fully backing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s agricultural policies. He noted that small ruminant farming has the potential to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods across Kwara State.
Participants engaged in hands-on training on cost-effective livestock feed production. One of the beneficiaries, Shuaib Ganiyat from Ilorin West, expressed gratitude to the state government and facilitators for the knowledge imparted.
“I have learned that many materials we discard as waste are actually valuable livestock feed. We prepared a practical example, and all the materials cost just ₦4,200, making it more affordable than store-bought feeds,” she said
As part of the empowerment initiative, several dignitaries pledged support in the form of livestock and start-up materials for beneficiaries. Hon. Oba Magaji and Chairman Ladan both committed to donating goats, while other members of the high table also contributed towards empowering local farmers.
Dr. Abdullateef Saliman Olugbon, Director of Veterinary Services at the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, who represented the Commissioner, highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts in livestock health, including the recent government-funded cattle vaccination against anthrax.
“The Governor is actively investing in livestock development. This initiative will create wealth for farmers, and as veterinary experts, we are committed to supporting the sector with health services and advisory support,” he stated.
Oniye, in his closing remarks, urged participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge, emphasizing that goat and sheep farming can serve as a financial safety net
“If you have 10 goats as a civil servant, they can serve as a financial backup in times of need. Goat farming is a hidden store of wealth that many people overlook,” he concluded.