A total of 223,097 beneficiaries across 17 states have so far accessed funding from the $546 million Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), a program launched by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to enhance livestock productivity and resilience in Nigeria.
The L-PRES project aims to improve livestock productivity, commercialize the sector, and build resilience. It is structured around key components, including Institution and Innovation System Strengthening ($95 million), Animal Husbandry and Advisory Support Services ($40 million), Animal Health Services ($40 million), Livestock Value Chain Enhancement ($275 million), Crisis Prevention and Conflict Mitigation ($100 million), and Natural Resources Management and Pasture Improvement ($70 million), according to Sanusi Abubakar, the National Project Coordinator, at a media workshop held in Abuja on Monday.
Sanusi explained that the project, which runs from 2022 to 2028, is funded by a $500 million loan granted in 2021, supplemented by $46 million in counterpart funding over six years. The funds are being deployed to improve various aspects of the livestock value chain, with state-level implementation carried out under a Subsidiary Loan Agreement (SLA) and technical support provided by the National Coordination Office (NCO).
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He highlighted that the livestock sector is crucial to Nigeria’s economy and food security but faces numerous challenges, including climate change, poor market access, limited value addition, inadequate services, and conflicts between herders and farmers. L-PRES adopts an integrated approach to tackle these challenges and strengthen the sector’s resilience and growth.
Sanusi noted that over 223,097 beneficiaries have already been profiled across 17 states, ensuring the interventions are targeted at the appropriate farmers and livestock producers. He also mentioned several ongoing initiatives under the project, such as livestock service centers, geospatial mapping of natural resources, livestock value chain hubs, and community small ruminant holding pens.
In addition, the National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) will soon be rolled out to improve livestock management nationwide, and two Livestock Gene Banks are being established to support breed improvement and conservation.
