L-PRES unveils real-time data system to boost livestock sector

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has launched the Livestock Data and Market Information System (LMIS), aimed at enhancing real-time information for transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector.

L-PRES National Project Coordinator, Mr Sanusi Abubakar, who spoke in Abuja at a one-day workshop on the LMIS, noted that the project aims to boost productivity, commercialisation, and resilience in Nigeria’s livestock industry.

According to Abubakar, the LMIS will serve as a crucial tool for livestock farmers and traders, offering market information through various channels.

He said, “It will create a comprehensive marketing database to assist with planning, policy formulation, research, and trend monitoring.

“The system will also provide early warning information to help farmers make informed marketing decisions”.

Abubakar noted that the LMIS aligns with one of the LPRES project’s key performance indicators, which aims to increase the number of livestock producers who can access profitable markets.

Prof. Herbert Udo, Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, in his address emphasised the significance of data in livestock development.

“In this sector, livestock owners often exchange animals for income without recorded transactions or data collection,” he noted.

Udo stressed that initiatives providing farmers with market-related information especially through simple, user-friendly ICT tools could significantly increase incomes and reduce poverty.

He pointed out that a well-developed livestock marketing information system would be invaluable for national planning.

“As a regulatory body with zonal and state offices nationwide, the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science is committed to collaborating with L-PRES and other stakeholders to operationalise the LMIS,” he stated.

Udo cited successful partnerships among farmers, markets, and policymakers in other parts of Africa, expressing confidence that similar successes could be achieved in Nigeria.

Mr Ibrahim Wali, a representative of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, stated the need for access to critical data to ensure livestock productivity.

He noted that the current number of animals is uncertain, and prices for a kilo of meat in Maiduguri or Abuja are often based on guesswork.

“Having real-time data on the prices of sheep, beef, or poultry would be extremely beneficial,” he stated.

Wali added that access to real-time information has transformed purchasing behavior.

“Everything we do is consumer-driven. Consumers want to know the quality of the beef, chicken, meat, or turkey they are purchasing.

“The world has changed, especially since COVID-19, making it possible to do everything online.

“Consumers can now order beef and chicken online and, knowing the prices, can purchase from anywhere, even if they are in Lagos”.