The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, has trained and empowered 1,110 smallholder poultry farmers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
This initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity and reduce poverty among smallholder farmers.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Tope Fashedemi, represented by the Federal Director of Agricultural Extension Services, Dr. Deola Lordbanjou, disclosed this during a training session in Ogun State.
The empowerment program, part of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy, was conducted simultaneously in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Each beneficiary received day-old chicks, poultry feeds, and cash support to help raise broiler chickens to market weight. This comprehensive support package is designed to enhance the productivity and profitability of smallholder poultry farmers.
Mr. Fashedemi stated, “The objective of the training and empowerment is to lift smallholder poultry farmers in Nigeria out of poverty by training them on modern technology for rearing broiler chickens and arousing their interest in broiler production enterprise after the initial support from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.”
He emphasized that the inputs provided are meant to encourage sustainable poultry production, highlighting the profitability of engaging in broiler production. This initiative is expected to significantly improve the livelihoods of the participating farmers.
Dr. Felix Okonkwo, Director of the Macro Economic Policy Department at the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, urged the 1,110 beneficiaries to view poultry farming as a viable business capable of providing regular income for their families. He also mentioned that the ministry would continuously monitor the beneficiaries to assess the program’s impact on their lives.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance food security and agricultural productivity in Nigeria, offering farmers the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the poultry industry. The government’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers through training and resources underscores its dedication to sustainable agricultural development.
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