For decades, rural communities in Nigeria have faced developmental challenges while urban centers thrive with modern infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
In Katsina State, this disparity has prompted a bold government intervention aimed at empowering rural dwellers through sustainable solutions.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s Community Development Programme (CDP) seeks to uplift rural women and livestock farmers by providing them with economic opportunities and financial independence.
Unlike conventional governance approaches, the CDP adopts a grassroots model, allowing communities to identify their own needs and priorities.
As part of this initiative, community centers have been established in all 361 wards across the state, serving as hubs for economic empowerment, social support, and education.
A key component of the CDP is the livestock empowerment initiative, which recognizes agriculture as the backbone of Katsina’s economy, employing 90 per cent of its rural population.
To support rural women and farmers, the government launched a structured program providing goats for rearing and trade. In the pilot phase, 3,610 women each received four goats one male and three females worth approximately ₦200,000 per set.
Beneficiaries were also trained in animal husbandry, nutrition, and veterinary care to ensure long-term sustainability.
Beyond small-scale farming, the government is promoting large-scale livestock production. Each ward now has a designated large-scale farmer who receives 50 goats to expand breeding programs.
This approach aims to increase the availability of livestock products such as milk, meat, and manure, contributing to food security and economic diversification.
Governor Radda has also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish a Ministry of Livestock to drive similar initiatives nationwide.
Plans are underway to set up a livestock center to strengthen the programme and position Katsina as a top producer of goats and livestock in the region.
Under the scheme, 43,000 goats have been allocated for distribution. Each of the women beneficiaries will receive four goats, while livestock farmers will get 50 goats per ward to expand their production capacity.
To support this vision, the government said is establishing a model goat farm in Rimi Local Government Area, focusing on genetic improvement, high-yield milk production, and best practices in animal husbandry.
The facility will also serve as a training centre for local farmers, equipping them with modern techniques to enhance productivity.
Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship and self-reliance, highlighting the goat empowerment initiative as a strategic investment.
He stated that the programme, which the government spending ₦5.7 billion, is aimed at enabling the state to begin exporting goats to Saudi Arabia and other international markets with a view of boost the revenue generation of the state and better the lives of the people.
Dr. Kamaluddin Kabir, Coordinator of the Community Development Programme, commended the initiative, noting that since its inception, 132,000 residents have benefited from various agricultural and economic empowerment programmes, including the distribution of fertilizers, power tillers, improve seedlings and solar water pumps.
He affirmed that a strict monitoring system has been put in place to prevent the resale of goats and other items the government had distributed to ensuring they serve their intended purpose.
One of the beneficiaries, Aisha Umar, expressed gratitude to the governor, stating that the initiative has given her hope, especially during these difficult economic times. She pledged to utilize the goats effectively to improve her livelihood.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock Development and Grazing Reserves, Yusuf Sulaiman, revealed that the state government has established quarantine centers in Dan-Nakola, Ladanawa, and Kabomo, where goats will undergo health screenings, vaccinations, and treatments before being handed over to beneficiaries.
He added that recipients are undergoing training in goat rearing, management, and animal husbandry to maximize productivity and long-term profitability.
The government has also structured the programme into ward-based clusters, where experienced livestock farmers and ward development committees will supervise and mentor beneficiaries to ensure efficiency.
With the launch of this large-scale goat distribution program, Katsina State is taking a bold step toward becoming a center for mass goat production in northwest Nigeria.
Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s administration is committed to boosting small-scale livestock farming, enhancing food security, and promoting economic self-reliance among rural communities.
This initiative not only empowers women and livestock farmers but also positions Katsina as a key player in Nigeria’s livestock sector, with the potential to drive exports and economic transformation.
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