Livestock Farming: Engine that Drives Rural Economies — Mukhtar

The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has described the livestock sector as a critical driver of rural prosperity and a pillar of Africa’s food and economic future. 

Mukhtar made this known in his keynote address at the Agriculture Summit Africa 2025, themed “Survival of the Greenest,” held on Thursday, 6th November 2025, in Abuja.

Speaking at the summit, the Minister emphasised the deep socio-economic significance of livestock across the continent. “For millions across the continent, livestock is more than an asset; it is a bank, a source of daily nutrition and a cornerstone of cultural identity. It is the engine that drives rural economies. Yet, its potential remains largely untapped,” he said.

He noted that despite its vast opportunities, the sector remains constrained by outdated practices and chronic underinvestment. The Minister identified improved meat and milk supply, enhanced disease control and animal health services, expanded access to soft loans, and the opening up of new economic frontiers as essential pathways to securing Africa’s food future.

He also called for stronger collaboration between financial institutions and livestock producers, stating, “Let us commit to partnerships where the strength of African finance meets the resilience of the African livestock farmer. By investing in livestock, we are not just investing in agriculture; we are investing in nutrition, in employment, in economic diversification and ultimately in a more secure and prosperous future for all of Africa.”

The Minister noted that creation of livestock ministry by President Bola Tinubu dedicated to focus on the livestock sector is not a mere administrative realignment but an inspiring, strategic vision to modernise the sector into a vibrant, resilient, sustainable and globally competitive sector for national food security, job creation, rural development and poverty reduction. 

"According to him, the current value of the sector is 32 billion dollars and the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategic (NL-GAS) hopes to grow the sector to 74 billion dollars by 2035.

The representative of the Executive Secretary, National Agricultural Developmentt Fund (NADF), Mohammed A. Ibrahim, pledged  continued collaboration towards promoting agriculture finance across the entire value chain.

Ogochukwu Igboamalu 
Assistant Chief  Executive Officer (Information) 
Press and Public Relations Department 
6th November, 2025.