The Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme has trained 64 livestock farmers and extension officers from five local government areas on artificial insemination, livestock management and improved cattle breeding practices as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s livestock value chain.
The capacity-building programme brought together livestock farmers and technical personnel from Moro, Kaiama, Baruten, Asa and Ifelodun Local Government Areas with the training aimed at equipping participants with modern skills required to improve cattle productivity and support sustainable beef and dairy production.
Speaking at the training, the Kwara SAPZ State Project Coordinator, Dr. Engr. Toyin Busari Isiaka, said the exercise was part of a series of capacity-building programmes being implemented ahead of the full commencement of SAPZ livestock value-chain activities in the state.
Dr. Busari explained that SAPZ had commenced similar training sessions in the preceding weeks and would continue with additional programmes as part of its strategy to prepare farmers, extension officers and other stakeholders for the implementation of the livestock component of the project.
According to him, the training is necessary to ensure that participants acquire the technical knowledge and practical skills required before the SAPZ programme becomes fully operational. He noted that adequate preparation would enable farmers to maximise the opportunities presented by the project and reduce knowledge gaps that could hinder effective implementation.
The SAPZ Coordinator disclosed that the livestock component of the programme focuses mainly on the beef and dairy value chains, with selected livestock production centres expected to supply quality raw materials to the planned SAPZ processing hub in Moro Local Government Area.
He identified Olodun in Ifelodun, Kinikin Karo in Kaiama and Gidamagaje in Baruten among the designated centres that are expected to contribute to the livestock value chain. He explained that the development of the centres would complement the planned hub in Moro and create a more integrated livestock production and processing system.
Dr. Busari urged the participating farmers to take the training seriously and make effective use of the knowledge acquired, stressing that the success of the SAPZ livestock initiative would depend significantly on the ability of beneficiaries to adopt improved production, breeding and management practices.
A total of 64 participants, comprising livestock farmers and extension officers, participated in the training. Their participation, according to the organisers, reflects the broad-based approach of the SAPZ livestock development programme and its focus on strengthening capacity across participating local government areas.
In his remarks, the Lead Consultant, Dr. Bolaji Afolabi, commended the Kwara State Government for its support towards the implementation of the SAPZ programme and also appreciated the state governor, Malam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for providing the necessary support and enabling the project to move forward.
Dr. Afolabi equally commended the SAPZ management team, led by Engr Dr. Toyin Busari Isiaka, for its efforts in ensuring that farmers and technical personnel are adequately prepared to participate in the livestock value-chain development programme.
The Lead Consultant described the extension officers as critical stakeholders in the implementation of the initiative, noting that they would be responsible for transferring the knowledge and technical practices acquired during the training to farmers at the grassroot.
He noted that the participating extension personnel include veterinarians, animal scientists, technologists and other technical officers who would have a special responsibility to support farmers beyond their regular duties.
Dr. Afolabi urged the extension officers to take the assignment seriously, stressing that farmers would have more direct contact with them than with the consultants. He therefore encouraged them to ensure effective dissemination of the knowledge and skills acquired during the training.
The Lead Consultant also encouraged livestock farmers to see the SAPZ initiative as an opportunity to expand their businesses and improve productivity. He noted that the participating livestock centres and grazing reserves have significant potential that could be developed to support commercial livestock production.
Drawing from his previous professional experience in Kaiama and Baruten, Dr. Afolabi said he was familiar with some of the livestock production areas and grazing reserves being incorporated into the initiative. He expressed optimism that the SAPZ intervention would provide a platform for farmers to build sustainable livestock enterprises.
He urged beneficiaries to embrace the concept of livestock farming as a business, stressing that improved breeding, effective animal management and access to appropriate technical support could significantly enhance productivity and farmers’ income.
The training is expected to contribute to improved cattle breeding, increased productivity and better livestock management while strengthening the supply of quality beef and dairy raw materials to the planned SAPZ processing hub in Moro.
The initiative also forms part of broader efforts to develop an integrated livestock value chain in Kwara State, create economic opportunities for farmers and strengthen the capacity of extension personnel to support modern livestock production.
The organisers expressed appreciation to the Kwara State Government, SAPZ management team, consultants, extension officers and participating livestock farmers for their commitment towards the successful implementation of the capacity-building programme.
