Nigeria has taken a major step toward strengthening its livestock sector through a strategic partnership with the Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) of New Zealand, with a strong focus on building climate resilient livestock production systems.
The high level engagement involved the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, who held detailed discussions with the New Zealand based livestock technology company on modernising Nigeria’s livestock industry using advanced science, data, and sustainable practices.
Central to the partnership is the development of climate resilient livestock production aimed at helping farmers adapt to the growing impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, pasture degradation, and water scarcity. Officials noted that adopting climate smart breeding, improved pasture management, and resilient animal genetics would enhance livestock survival, productivity, and sustainability across Nigeria’s diverse ecological zones.
The collaboration will also support the introduction of heat tolerant and disease resistant livestock breeds capable of maintaining productivity under harsh environmental conditions. In addition, the partners plan to deploy data driven livestock management systems to monitor animal health, optimise feed efficiency, and reduce environmental stress on herds.
Beyond climate resilience, the partnership will prioritise dairy development, modern breeding programmes, and the establishment of robust data and technology infrastructure to improve livestock traceability and productivity. Capacity building initiatives will equip farmers, extension workers, and livestock managers with modern skills in sustainable animal husbandry and climate adaptive practices.
Officials expressed confidence that the collaboration will strengthen Nigeria’s livestock value chain, improve animal health systems, attract investment, and expand economic opportunities for farmers. They emphasised that building a climate resilient livestock sector is essential for ensuring food security, boosting rural livelihoods, and safeguarding the future of livestock production in Nigeria.
