KANO LIVESTOCK FATTENING SCHEME: A game-changer for rural empowerment amid criticism

By SANUSI BATURE DAWAKIN-TOFA

The Kano State Government has countered unfounded criticisms of its livestock fattening and goat reproduction scheme, which is a key component of the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Programme (KSADP).

These attacks, aimed at undermining a life-changing initiative, have been described by the government as mischievous attempts to misinform the public and derail efforts to empower rural communities.

The criticisms particularly targeted the recent distribution of goats to female farmers, an initiative designed to support animal husbandry, improve livelihoods, and enhance food security in Kano State.

Significance of the livestock fattening scheme

The KSADP program, launched in 2019, is a $95 million project funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF), and the Kano State Government.

Its overarching aim is to reduce poverty by 30% among beneficiaries and improve nutrition by boosting meat production in Kano State.

The program is built on three core components:

1. Agro-Pastoral Productivity and Production Enhancement – Aimed at increasing meat and livestock productivity.

2. Market Access and Value Addition – To improve the economic potential of agricultural products.

3. Project Coordination and Management – Ensuring seamless implementation and impact.

The Agro-Pastoral Productivity Enhancement component has been particularly impactful.

Livestock farmers participating in the scheme have seen significant improvements in meat yield, with bulls producing an additional 100kg of beef and rams contributing an additional 15kg of meat after a 120-day fattening period.

Similarly, goats under the reproduction scheme are expected to yield at least two kids within six to twelve months, ensuring long-term benefits for farmers.

Impact on meat production and livelihoods

The livestock fattening initiative is a lifeline for thousands of rural families.

By increasing beef, mutton, and goat meat production, the program is addressing the twin challenges of poverty and malnutrition.

At the end of every fattening cycle, the program is expected to yield 6,000 metric tons of additional beef and mutton, significantly contributing to improved nutrition and food security in Kano State.

Sustaining the program under Governor Abba Yusuf

Recognizing the importance of continuity, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has prioritized the KSADP scheme as a key part of his administration’s agenda.

Building on the foundation laid by the previous administration, the Governor approved the continuation of livestock distribution, ensuring that rural communities continue to benefit from this transformative initiative.

To maintain transparency and fairness, Governor Yusuf directed that community representatives, under the Community Reorientation Committee (CRC), be actively involved in selecting beneficiaries.

This approach has not only strengthened public trust but also ensured that the program reaches those who need it most.

Recent milestones in livestock distribution

Under Governor Yusuf’s leadership, the KSADP initiative has seen remarkable progress:

First Cycle (Second Phase):

Conducted in August 2023, where thousands of goats and rams were distributed to women across all 44 local government areas.

Second Cycle (First Phase):

Launched recently, distributing over 7,000 goats to more than 2,000 women.

The program has also outlined future plans for subsequent phases of the second cycle.

These include the distribution of rams to male and female youth, as well as bulls exclusively to young men for fattening purposes.

Economic and nutritional benefits of the scheme

The livestock fattening program is more than just a distribution exercise—it represents a holistic approach to rural development.

By providing women and youth with livestock, the program is fostering financial independence, creating generational occupations, and addressing food insecurity.

With a significant portion of Kano’s population engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry, the initiative is enhancing rural incomes and diversifying economic opportunities.

The availability of protein-rich meat, such as beef, mutton, and goat meat, is improving household nutrition, particularly in underserved communities.

Kano’s leadership in livestock farming

Data from the 2024 National Agricultural Sample Census highlights Kano State’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s livestock industry.

The Northwest region contributes 33% of the country’s livestock, with Kano State alone accounting for 8%.

This includes approximately 1.458 million goats, making Kano the second-largest livestock producer in Nigeria after Bauchi State.

In addition, Kano boasts the highest number of agricultural households in the country, totaling approximately 2.369 million.

These figures underscore the state’s comparative advantage in agriculture and livestock farming, making initiatives like KSADP a natural fit for the region’s development needs.

Modernizing agriculture through KSADP

KSADP has introduced cutting-edge technology to transform agricultural practices in Kano.

This includes improved seeds, regenerative agriculture techniques, and extensive farmer training programs on modern agronomical systems.

The initiative is empowering farmers to increase their output while preserving the environment, positioning Kano State as a leader in sustainable agriculture.

By leveraging these advancements, Governor Yusuf’s administration is fostering a new era of productivity and innovation in Kano’s agricultural sector.

*Empowering Women and Youth Through Livestock Distribution*

The program’s emphasis on female farmers underscores the administration’s commitment to gender inclusivity and rural empowerment.

Women, traditionally the backbone of rural economies, are being equipped with the tools and resources to improve their livelihoods and contribute to economic growth.

The targeted involvement of youth further ensures the sustainability of the program.

By engaging the next generation in livestock farming, the initiative is creating long-term employment opportunities and addressing youth unemployment in Kano.

Strengthening Rural Communities Through Livestock Enhancement

With Kano’s rich agricultural heritage, the KSADP scheme is perfectly aligned with the state’s cultural and economic strengths.

By supporting livestock farming, the government is reviving ancestral occupations, enhancing the quality of life for rural dwellers, and reducing the urban-rural economic divide.

*A Vision for a Prosperous Kano State*

Governor Yusuf’s leadership is rooted in his vision to empower ordinary citizens through sustainable initiatives.

The KSADP livestock fattening scheme is a testament to this commitment, delivering tangible benefits to rural communities and strengthening Kano’s position as a leading agricultural state in Nigeria.

*Sanusi Bature DawakinTofa
Is the Director General, Media and Publicity, writes from Government House, Kano