By Ahmed Mohammad
The Kano State Government has countered criticism of its livestock fattening and goat reproduction scheme, a key component of the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Programme (KSADP). The government described the criticism as mischievous attempts to misinform the public and derail efforts to empower rural communities.
The Significance of the Livestock Fattening Scheme
Launched in 2019, the KSADP program is a $95 million project aimed at reducing poverty by 30% among beneficiaries and improving nutrition by boosting meat production in Kano State.
The program has three core components:
- Agro-Pastoral Productivity and Production Enhancement: Increasing meat and livestock productivity
- Market Access and Value Addition: Improving the economic potential of agricultural products
- Project Coordination and Management: Ensuring seamless implementation and impact
Impact on Meat Production and Livelihoods
The livestock fattening initiative has significantly improved meat yield, with bulls producing an additional 100kg of beef and rams contributing an additional 15kg of meat after a 120-day fattening period.
The program is expected to yield 6,000 metric tons of additional beef and mutton, contributing to improved nutrition and food security in Kano State.
Sustaining the Program Under Governor Abba Yusuf
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has prioritized the KSADP scheme, ensuring continuity and expansion of the program.
The governor has directed community representatives to be involved in selecting beneficiaries, strengthening public trust and ensuring the program reaches those who need it most.
Recent Milestones and Future Plans
The program has distributed thousands of goats and rams to women across all 44 local government areas.
Future plans include distributing rams to male and female youth and bulls to young men for fattening purposes.
Economic and Nutritional Benefits
The livestock fattening program is fostering financial independence, creating generational occupations, and addressing food insecurity.
The initiative is enhancing rural incomes, diversifying economic opportunities, and improving household nutrition, particularly in underserved communities.
Kano’s Leadership in Livestock Farming
Kano State is a leading producer of livestock in Nigeria, with approximately 1.458 million goats. The state boasts the highest number of agricultural households in the country, totaling approximately 2.369 million.
Modernizing Agriculture Through KSADP
The program has introduced cutting-edge technology, including improved seeds, regenerative agriculture techniques, and extensive farmer training programs.
This has empowered farmers to increase their output while preserving the environment, positioning Kano State as a leader in sustainable agriculture.
Empowering Women and Youth
The program’s emphasis on female farmers underscores the administration’s commitment to gender inclusivity and rural empowerment.
The targeted involvement of youth ensures the sustainability of the program, creating long-term employment opportunities and addressing youth unemployment in Kano.
