Data Gap Threatens Livestock Breeding, Productivity—FG

The federal government has said Nigeria’s livestock sector is facing a major data gap hindering effective breeding, conservation and productivity.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, warned that the absence of reliable baseline data on indigenous livestock breeds is limiting efforts to improve output and manage animal genetic resources.

Maiha spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ consultative workshop on animal genetics organised under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project.

“Without accurate baseline data, it is impossible to design appropriate breeding objectives or determine which breeds are best suited for specific agro-ecological zones,” he said.

He noted that weak data systems have made it difficult to define breeding strategies, detect genetic risks and implement effective conservation programmes.

Stakeholders at the meeting also stressed the need for improved monitoring systems to prevent genetic erosion and possible loss of valuable indigenous breeds.

National Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, Dr Sanusi Abubakar, said better data collection and tracking systems are critical for evidence-based decision-making in the sector.

He added that the initiative aims to strengthen national databases, improve policy planning and support long-term livestock productivity.

The federal government said it is working to develop practical and harmonised protocols to guide data collection, breed identification and risk monitoring nationwide.