Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s top producer of goat meat, producing 520,000 tonnes in 2023 and ranking fourth worldwide, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAOSTAT).
The data highlights Nigeria’s dominance on the continent, outpacing Sudan (420,000 tonnes, 6th globally), Ethiopia (400,000 tonnes, 7th), and Tanzania (310,000 tonnes, 8th).
Other African nations like Kenya (190,000 tonnes, 16th), South Africa (170,000 tonnes, 17th), and Mali (165,000 tonnes, 18th) trail behind, underscoring Nigeria’s lead in this key livestock sector.
Globally, China tops the list with 2.63 million tonnes, followed by India (1.05 million tonnes) and Bangladesh (610,000 tonnes). Pakistan rounds out the top five at 460,000 tonnes.
Goat meat, a staple in Nigerian cuisine especially during festivals like Eid al-Adha and Christmas, supports millions of smallholder farmers and contributes to rural economies.
Experts attribute Nigeria’s output to its vast goat population—estimated at over 88 million heads—and growing demand for affordable protein amid rising beef prices.
“This positions Nigeria as a potential exporter, boosting food security and livelihoods,” said Dr. Aisha Bello, a livestock economist at the University of Ibadan.
However, challenges like feed shortages and disease outbreaks could hinder sustained growth without targeted investments.
The full FAOSTAT rankings reveal Africa’s strong presence, with 20 countries in the top 35 producers, reflecting the continent’s reliance on goats for meat, milk, and hides.
