Livestock Value Chain Development in Nigeria: Institutional Framework and Opportunities for Chain Actors

Abstract

Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) as a key driver of the National Economic Transformation Agenda has aided in creating jobs and increased non-oil sector contribution to GDP.  However, the livestock subsector contribution is under represented largely because of the under development of the livestock value chain among other factors. This paper attempts to review the livestock value chain development in Nigeria. It focused on the existing livestock value chain implementation strategy, its constraints, and opportunities for chain actors. An overview the Nigerian livestock value chains and their institutional framework, evaluation of achievements and challenges were highlighted. It is recommended that Nigerian Livestock value chain development programmes and initiatives are expected to make concrete contributions towards achieving market-led and knowledge-based transformation of the industry in line with the agenda of the Federal Government. Therefore, strengthening capacities of the chain actors to cooperate and operate optimally within a focused institutional framework deserves due policy attention. The relevant departments in the FMARD and major chain actors (NIAS, NVMA and NALHSATON) who have direct bearing on the governance structure of the livestock value chain must proactively form a common front on the revalidation of Livestock underrepresented GDP estimates for Nigeria and other African nations, and value chain mapping for each of the selected livestock value chain as a way of attracting attention of National and International development financing institutions.

Keywords: Livestock, Value Chain, Institutional framework, Chain actors, Nigeria