Kwara SAPZ trains 68 Pastoralists on artificial insemination, improved cattle breeding

The Kwara Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project has intensified its commitment to boosting milk and meat production by equipping pastoralists with practical skills in artificial insemination (AI) and the management of improved cattle breeds.

Speaking during a workshop for pastoralists in Ilorin, the State Commissioner for Livestock Development and Chairperson of the SAPZ Technical Committee, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, described the training as the first phase of the state government’s initiative to update pastoralists on modern cattle production techniques.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mohammed Yahaya, the Commissioner explained that the 68 participants comprised pastoralists and livestock extension agents drawn from across Kwara SAPZ project sites: Olodan in Ifelodun LGA, Afon in Asa LGA, Gidan Magajiya in Baruten LGA, Kinnikinni in Kaiama LGA, and Malete in Moro LGA.

The Commissioner commended the state government for aligning with the National Policy on Livestock Development, noting that its strides in the sector have liberalized and revolutionized the industry while attracting more people into livestock farming.

Highlighting the opportunities in modern livestock management, she stressed that the sector is no longer limited to subsistence production but holds significant potential as a viable commercial enterprise.

She urged the participants to be resilient and dedicated, adding that the knowledge gained would help realize the vision of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for enhanced dairy and beef productivity.

Earlier, the State Project Coordinator for SAPZ, Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, stated that the training focused on key factors affecting livestock productivity, including proper nutrition, a conducive production environment, and improved genetics for reproductive efficiency.

Isiaka explained that because the Kwara SAPZ Project focuses on the livestock value chain, it is responsible for guiding pastoralists on managing improved breeds and supporting their transition from traditional cattle-rearing practices to commercially oriented systems.

He commended Governor AbdulRazaq for the regular payment of counterpart funds and the provision of necessary infrastructure to ensure smooth implementation, adding that the training would be conducted annually.

Dr. Isiaka also observed that the Agricultural Transformation Centres (ATCs), which serve as raw material production sites, will unlock market and investment opportunities across the livestock value chain locally and internationally.

Also speaking, the Lead Consultant from Skystream Global Concept Limited, Dr. Bolaji Afolabi, noted that the 68 participants benefited from practical, interactive sessions with technologists, animal scientists, and other production experts, urging them to approach farming as a business.

Afolabi added that exposing pastoralists to modern practices will equip them to help bridge the gap between Nigeria’s dairy industry and global standards through the adoption of improved, crossbred cattle.