Browsing: livestock farming

Livestock farming in Africa

Livestock farming under pressure as Africa needs to balance food security and emission cuts

Sustainability
  • Many players in livestock farming across Africa remain unaware of the relationship between this sector and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Currently, livestock farming contributes about 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions according to international estimates.
  • In South Africa, the sector contributes between 0.4% and 0.5% of the global total, equal to about 32.5 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents a year.

Livestock farming feeds millions of Africans, but it also leaves a carbon footprint that cannot be ignored. According to North-West University (NWU) in South Africa’s animal scientist, Prof Kenny Mnisi, this challenge is finding the balance between sustaining households and tackling climate change.

Many players in livestock farming across Africa, however, are unaware of this link to carbon footprint. Prof Mnisi says short learning programmes and collaborative initiatives are needed to close the gap.

“The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, in collaboration with the North West Department of Agriculture …

Nigeria’s $10.8M plan to shore up livestock value chains

Banking
  • Financing will create more jobs, and reduce national expenditure on the importation of milk and dairy products. It will also improve the nutritional status of Nigerians.
  • The credit scheme also seeks to reduce protracted conflict between farmers and herders as well as drive investments in the industry.
  • Ministry of Agriculture says plan will improve security and foster harmonious existence between farmers and herders.

Livestock farmers across Nigeria are set to benefit from a $10.8 million credit scheme that seeks to enhance their business value chains and attract more investors in the sector.

According to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, the $10.8 million credit scheme targeting livestock farmers, will be run by the Bank of Agriculture. 

Mr Abubakar said Nigeria is committed to reforming the livestock sector with notable programmes such as the National Livestock Transformation Plan, and Livestock Productivity Resilience and Support Plan, among others.…