Crops

The growing strength of Africa’s livestock sector

The livestock section of African Agribusiness offers a clear window into the changing landscape of animal farming across the continent. It brings together updates and insights on cattle, poultry, pigs, and small ruminants, while exploring key areas such as production, investment, technology, and policy

The section reads less like a static report and more like an ongoing story of a sector that continues to evolve with time.

One of the most striking themes is the economic importance of livestock. Across many African nations, livestock remains deeply tied to livelihoods, national income, and food security. In countries like Tanzania, the sector supports millions of people and plays a meaningful role in daily life. Rising demand for meat and dairy products has encouraged growth in animal populations and output, reflecting both changing diets and gradual improvements in farming practices.

Attention is also given to investment and funding initiatives that are helping reshape the industry. Governments and financial institutions are increasingly directing resources into livestock development. These efforts often focus on smallholder farmers, helping them move beyond subsistence farming into more stable and profitable systems, while also creating employment in rural areas.

At the same time, technological innovation is quietly transforming traditional practices. From digital tracking systems to better breeding methods, farmers are gaining tools that improve efficiency and animal health. These changes are also opening doors to financial services, making it easier for farmers to access credit and manage risk.

However, the sector continues to face challenges in animal health and disease management. Outbreaks such as avian influenza and African swine fever remain a concern, making strong veterinary systems and regional cooperation essential.

Trade patterns also shape the industry, with imports from countries like Brazil highlighting both demand and gaps in local supply. Alongside this, issues like climate change and feed shortages continue to test resilience.

Overall, the section presents livestock as a vital and steadily developing part of Africa’s future.

Katsina launches fertiliser scheme to strengthen 2026 farming season

Katsina State in northern Nigeria's State Government has rolled out its 2026 fertiliser distribution programme, aiming to support farmers ahead of the rainy season and improve food production across the state

The initiative will supply subsidised fertiliser to farmers in 6,652 polling units, ensuring wider reach and easier access.

Governor Dikko Radda officially launched the programme in Malumfashi, describing it as part of his administration’s strong focus on food security and better living standards for rural communities. He explained that fertiliser would be sold at a subsidised rate of ₦25,000 per bag. To make the process more transparent and fair, distribution has been decentralised so that genuine farmers can access supplies directly without interference from middlemen.

The governor outlined how the fertiliser would be shared across the state. Funtua Zone is set to receive 60 bags per polling unit, Katsina Zone will get 50 bags, while Daura Zone will receive 45 bags per unit. In addition, 10 large scale farmers in each of the 361 wards will benefit from the programme.

Beyond fertiliser distribution, the government is taking a broader approach to agriculture. This includes providing tractors, hand tillers, irrigation systems and other essential inputs to increase productivity. Governor Radda revealed that more than 3,000 tube wells are currently being drilled at no cost to farmers, while thousands of solar and petrol powered pumps have already been distributed to encourage farming throughout the year.

He also noted that 361 young people are undergoing training in modern farming methods and agribusiness, preparing a new generation to sustain growth in the sector.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Lawal Aliyu Shargalle, said the programme is part of a wider effort to revive agriculture in the state and assured that strict monitoring would be in place to maintain transparency.

Community Development Programme Coordinator Kamaldeen Kabir praised the governor’s efforts, saying, “His Excellency has, over the years, done tremendous work in improving the livelihoods and strengthening the rural economy of the state,” Kabir said.

He added, “With the introduction of these hand-powered tillers, the situation has improved considerably, making farming easier and more accessible for the common man,” Kabir said.

East Africa Sets Course for Agricultural Transformation with New Investment Plan Talks (Image credit: Daily news)

Leaders and stakeholders from across East Africa have gathered in Dar es Salaam for a major meeting aimed at shaping the future of agriculture in the region

Organised by the East African Community in partnership with AGRA, the three day session focuses on reviewing and validating the Draft Regional Agri Food Systems Investment Plan for 2026 to 2035.

The meeting, held in Dar es Salaam from April 21 to 23, has brought together policymakers, private sector players, researchers, farmers, youth groups and development partners. Their shared aim is to refine a long term plan that will guide agricultural growth and food systems across the region over the next decade.

Agriculture remains central to East Africa’s economy, contributing over 30 percent of gross domestic product and supporting more than 70 percent of the population. Despite this, the sector continues to face serious challenges, including low productivity, poor access to finance and markets, and post harvest losses that can reach up to 30 percent due to weak storage and distribution systems.

The new plan builds on lessons from the previous Regional Agriculture Investment Plan, which ran from 2017 to 2025. While it helped strengthen regional cooperation, it also faced setbacks such as limited funding and delays in turning commitments into action.

Speaking at the opening, the EAC Deputy Secretary General, Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, stressed the importance of this moment for the region’s future.

“As we conclude the implementation of the previous investment plan, we have a unique opportunity to reflect, learn, and chart a bold new course. RASIP must go beyond policy—it must be an actionable roadmap that drives real transformation across our agrifood systems,” he said.

He highlighted that agriculture has the potential to tackle unemployment, poverty and food insecurity, but only if countries work together more effectively and invest wisely.

AGRA Tanzania Country Director Vianey Rweyendela also emphasised the need to empower young people.

“As a strategic partner in this process, AGRA is committed to ensuring that RASIP places young people at the centre of agrifood systems transformation. This is about unlocking opportunities across the entire value chain from production to markets creating jobs, driving innovation, and building a new generation of agripreneurs,” he said.

Once finalised, the plan is expected to guide agricultural development, improve food systems and create opportunities across East Africa.

Nigeria faces growing palm oil gap amid rising domestic demand

Nigeria is grappling with a widening gap between palm oil production and local consumption, as demand continues to outpace supply

The Federal Government recently revealed that the country produces about 1.4 million metric tonnes of palm oil each year, while domestic demand has risen beyond 2.5 million metric tonnes.

This concern was highlighted by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, during a stakeholders meeting in Abuja focused on strengthening Nigeria’s palm oil production capacity. Represented by his senior technical assistant, Ibrahim Alkali, the minister described the gathering as an important moment for clear direction and collective action to revive the sector.

Reflecting on the past, Mr Kyari noted that Nigeria once dominated the global palm oil market in the 1960s, contributing over 40 per cent of worldwide supply. At that time, palm oil played a central role in exports, rural livelihoods and industrial growth. However, the country’s output has steadily declined over the years.

“Today, Nigeria produces approximately 1.4 million metric tonnes of palm oil annually, while domestic demand exceeds 2.5 million metric tonnes,” he said.

The resulting shortfall of more than one million metric tonnes each year has forced the country to spend heavily on imports.

“What this means is that we are exporting opportunities and importing what we have the capacity to produce,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Nigeria holds significant potential. The country has over three million hectares of land suitable for oil palm cultivation, much of which remains unused. At the same time, global demand for palm oil continues to expand, with the market valued at more than 70 billion dollars annually across industries such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and biofuels.

Mr Kyari stressed that the issue is not a lack of resources but the need for stronger coordination and scaled efforts. He added that the government is prioritising agriculture as part of its broader economic diversification plan and is working to reposition the sector through a validated national development strategy.

Stakeholders at the meeting echoed the need for collaboration, with a shared goal of boosting production, supporting rural economies and improving food security.