FG Strengthens Youth Participation in Livestock Feed Value Chain

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has conducted a series of hands-on capacity-building trainings for youths and women on quality livestock feed production and micro-livestock value chains across several states of the Federation, as part of efforts to strengthen skills, boost productivity, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in the livestock sector.

The trainings, organised through the Department of Livestock Extension and Business Development, were held between 20th and 23rd December 2025 in Plateau State, Ekiti State, Ondo State, Enugu State, Anambra State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking on the initiative, the Director of Livestock Extension and Business Development, Mr. Joseph Ako, said the trainings were designed to build both technical and entrepreneurial capacity among participants, particularly youths and women.

According to him, “the objective of these trainings is to equip participants with practical, hands-on skills in feed formulation, poultry and micro-livestock production, using sustainable and biosecure practices that can translate directly into income generation and improved livelihoods.”

Mr. Ako explained that the programme aligns with the Ministry’s mandate to promote sustainable, profitable and inclusive livestock systems, adding that empowering youths and women remains critical to unlocking the sector’s full economic potential.

In Plateau State, a specialised Training on the Production of Quality Livestock Feeds for Youths took place on 20th December 2025 at Shalom Agro Feedmill, beside Alu’ma Oil Filling Station, Jos. The programme equipped participants with practical knowledge on livestock feed formulation, safe and efficient feed processing techniques, and the use of locally available raw materials to promote sustainable feed production. 

Complementing this intervention were on-farm trainings for women and youths on micro-livestock production, specifically beekeeping and snail farming, conducted in Ekiti State, Ondo State, and the FCT. These sessions focused on strengthening technical and entrepreneurial skills required for small-scale, low-capital livestock enterprises with high income potential.

In addition, on-farm trainings on the poultry value chain were held for women and youths in Enugu State, Anambra State, and the FCT, with emphasis on sustainable, profitable, and biosecure poultry production systems. In the FCT, the training was hosted at Ejiwumi Farm Nig. Ltd., along Kaida Road, Gwagwalada, Abuja.

Expected outcomes of the interventions include improved skills in formulating and producing quality feeds for different livestock species, increased confidence among youths to engage in livestock feed enterprises, enhanced adoption of best practices that support productivity and profitability, and contributions to the overall development of the livestock feed value chain, particularly in Plateau State.

Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu
Head, Press and Public Relations 
30th December, 2025