This training will help improve livestock productivity in Kogi State while ensuring food safety and safeguarding public health.

To address the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has launched a training programme aimed at educating farmers and stakeholders on the safe use of antibiotics in livestock production

Abdulkabir Otaru, project coordinator, explained that the initiative was designed to equip livestock farmers, veterinarians, doctors, and environmental health professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to adopt safer antibiotic practices.

“This training will help improve livestock productivity in Kogi State while ensuring food safety and safeguarding public health,” Otaru said, emphasising that the initiative would bridge knowledge gaps among farmers regarding antimicrobial drugs and promote best practices to minimise AMR risks.

The project, supported by the World Bank and in collaboration with both federal and state governments, will extend its reach to four additional centres across Kogi State. Each of these centres is expected to train at least 400 participants, with a total of 2,500 farmers set to benefit from the training on AMR prevention and safe livestock production practices.

Otaru also took a moment to acknowledge the continued support of Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, who has facilitated the project through the release of counterpart funding. He encouraged the media to give the project more visibility, emphasising that its impact goes beyond just improving productivity and profits.

“This project is not only about increasing productivity; it is about saving lives,” Otaru added.

Agu Yakubu from the Animal Health Department of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development also addressed the growing threat of AMR, warning that it is making the treatment of common infections increasingly difficult. He pointed out that overusing antibiotics, poor infection control, improper drug use, and the lack of new drug development were all contributing factors to the rise of resistance.

Yakubu urged the adoption of a "One Health" approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health sectors to fight AMR. He highlighted that by raising awareness and collaborating across sectors, the negative impact of AMR could be mitigated, ensuring that infections remain treatable.

The training programme is expected to enhance food safety, boost livestock resilience, and strengthen Nigeria’s overall capacity to manage AMR risks, aligning with global health standards.

The project is creating new economic opportunities and empowering local communities.

The Livestock and Fish Farming Value Chain Development Project (PD-CVEP), funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) with €84 million, is transforming fish farming in Cameroon, particularly along the coast and southwestern regions

Implemented by the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, the project is creating new economic opportunities and empowering local communities, with a focus on women and youth.

A key factor in the project’s success is a specially developed strain of African catfish (Clarias) created by the Agricultural Research Institute for Development. This new breed grows faster, has lower fat content, and higher fry survival rates. Farmers can now harvest in five to six months, instead of eight to nine, with survival rates of 80–85%, up from around 60%. Each female can produce 15,000–20,000 fry per cycle, with up to three cycles annually.

During the project’s initial phase, 2,600 broodstock were distributed to 50 pilot hatcheries, producing and selling over 115,000 fry since October 2024. While most hatcheries performed strongly, some broodstock required an additional three months of growth before full use.

Alongside broodstock distribution, 280 fish farmers received training across the entire aquaculture value chain, covering floating cage farming, hatchery management, feed formulation, and business operations. The training aims to improve technical skills, resilience, and product quality.

The project plans to increase Cameroon’s annual fish production by 10,000 tonnes by 2027, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening food security. To expand the gene pool, an AfDB mission in April 2025 recommended adding 12,000 Clarias and 3,000 tilapia broodstock, which are set for delivery under a new agreement.

A collaborative partnership between the Research Institute, the Project, and the Ministry works closely with regional fish farming associations. Regular monitoring, quarterly technical reports, and digital data collection ensure traceability, quality, and consistent performance.

Farmers and vendors are already benefiting. In Douala, the new catfish remains firm and flavoursome, helping sellers earn higher income. Improved market infrastructure—such as hygienic counters, ice access, running water, and better security—is enhancing sales and dignity for vendors.

Overall, PD-CVEP demonstrates a sustainable, inclusive development model that strengthens Cameroon’s rural economy through innovation, capacity building, and modern aquaculture practices.

The main goal of PigSmart is to strengthen veterinary and extension support by providing farmers with timely.

Uganda is taking a significant step towards digitising its agricultural advisory services with the launch of PigSmart, a mobile messaging platform designed to support smallholder pig farmers

Rolled out by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) in September 2025, the initiative is supported by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the CGIAR Initiative on Sustainable Animal Productivity.

The main goal of PigSmart is to strengthen veterinary and extension support by providing farmers with timely, practical information tailored to their needs. The platform uses a combination of voice messages and printed materials to deliver knowledge in a user-friendly and accessible way.

The pilot phase began in late 2024 across four central districts—Mpigi, Masaka, Mukono, and Wakiso. Over 1,200 farmers from 55 farmer groups participated. They received audio skits in Luganda, covering essential pig farming topics such as feeding, breeding, health care, manure management, and coping with heat stress. These messages were reinforced with printed brochures and a comprehensive herd health manual.

An evaluation carried out in November 2024 showed clear results: farmers who used PigSmart demonstrated significantly better understanding and adoption of good farming practices. In fact, the platform became the main source of information for 30–50% of users, even outperforming traditional advice channels such as peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, extension agents, and printed leaflets.

In April 2025, the pilot expanded to Kalangala District, an island in Lake Victoria where fishing has long been the dominant livelihood. As part of a shift towards farming, 12 veterinary extension officers were trained to use PigSmart’s multimedia tools to help islanders make the transition to pig production.

This work led to a broader government initiative in July 2025, where 500 farmers—including 393 women and 107 men—received two piglets each. The aim was to support household incomes and promote food security, building on the practical knowledge shared via the PigSmart platform.

The early success of PigSmart shows strong promise for expanding the service nationally. With digital tools becoming increasingly vital for rural development, Uganda is setting an example of how simple, localised technology can transform agricultural support systems and improve livelihoods.

The initiative aims to support local farmers raising cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry.

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, supported by the World Bank, is stepping up efforts to reduce the impact of livestock diseases in Taraba State

The initiative aims to support local farmers raising cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry by building stronger disease prevention and control systems.

At a recent training session held in Jalingo for veterinary officers and animal health technologists, Hananiah Albert, the State Project Coordinator, explained that the project focuses on early disease detection, quicker reporting, and coordinated response.

“Livestock diseases such as Anthrax, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Hemorrhagic Septicemia, and African Swine Fever continue to disrupt production and trade in Taraba, significantly affecting farmers’ livelihoods and threatening food security,” Albert said.

He pointed out that delays in identifying outbreaks and gaps in communication between field officers make the situation worse.

His words: “What makes these outbreaks more devastating is the delay in detection and the gaps in reporting and coordination among field officers and response systems. This is why L-PRES is working to build a collaborative platform where all stakeholders can work together for effective surveillance and control.”

Albert added that L-PRES is not only focused on controlling diseases but also on strengthening Nigeria’s emergency response and making livestock farming more commercially viable.

Speaking at the event, Taraba State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Nicholas Namessan, affirmed the government’s support for the programme. He stressed the need for partnerships between the public and private sectors.

“Disease control should not be left to the government alone. We need continued collaboration with private animal health professionals, community leaders, and farmers to build a more resilient and productive livestock sector,” Namessan said.