Nigeria’s livestock sector is a key part of Nigería’s quest for food security and agriculture plays a critical role in the country’s diversification quest is crucial to its development.
DAUDA WULGO, co-founder and CTO of Livestock247 Services in this interview with JOSEPHINE OKOJIE, spoke about how Livestock 247 is addressing the inefficiencies in the traditional livestock market and how Nigeria can leverage technology to plug the gaps stalling the sector’s growth.
Can you tell us about Livestock247 Services and the motivation behind it?
Livestock247 Services is an innovative online platform dedicated to transforming the livestock industry in Nigeria. We provide a comprehensive marketplace for buying and selling livestock, with essential veterinary services, traceability, and logistics solutions.
The motivation behind Livestock247 was to address the inefficiencies in the traditional livestock market and to bridge the gap between livestock farmers and buyers. By leveraging technology, we aim to create a more transparent, efficient, and accessible marketplace that benefits all stakeholders in the livestock value chain.
Read also: FG to boost livestock business, strengthen PPP drive
A lack of innovation and technology is stalling the country’s livestock development. How can the government bridge the huge tech gap in the livestock sector?
The government can bridge the technology gap by investing in digital infrastructure and promoting technology adoption among livestock farmers and markets. Additionally, implementing training programs to educate farmers on the use of modern technologies can significantly enhance productivity.
Public-private partnerships can also play a crucial role in driving technological advancements in the livestock sector.
What role can data play in Nigeria’s livestock production?
Data is critical in optimizing livestock production and trade. It can help in tracking animal health, improving breeding practices, and managing supply chains efficiently. Data-driven insights can lead to better decision-making, reduce losses due to disease, and enhance overall productivity.
At Livestock247, we collect and analyse data to provide actionable insights to farmers, helping them make informed decisions and improve their operations.
What technology – including AI and machine learning can be adopted to tackle Nigeria’s livestock production challenges?
AI and machine learning can revolutionize livestock production in Nigeria by enabling predictive analytics for disease outbreaks, optimising feed efficiency, and improving breeding practices. Drones and IoT devices can monitor livestock health and grazing patterns in real time.
At Livestock247, we are exploring these technologies to offer advanced solutions to our users, enhancing their productivity and profitability.
What lessons can Nigeria learn in livestock management from its peers?
Nigeria can learn from countries with advanced livestock industries by adopting best practices in animal husbandry, disease management, and technology integration. Countries like Brazil and Australia have successfully implemented traceability systems and export standards that Nigeria can emulate.
Collaboration with international bodies and participation in global livestock forums can also provide valuable insights and foster knowledge exchange.
What proactive measures would you suggest that need to be done currently and subsequently to promote food security in Nigeria and grow the livestock value chain?
To promote food security and grow the livestock value chain, it is essential to invest in infrastructure, provide access to quality feed, and improve veterinary services. Encouraging adopting sustainable farming practices and supporting smallholder farmers through subsidies and training can also make a significant impact.
Policies that promote research and development in the livestock sector should be prioritized to drive innovation and growth.
Livestock farmers face various challenges, including insufficient access to superior forage resources, resulting in the limited availability of high-quality feed. What do you think can be done to address some of these issues?
Addressing the challenge of insufficient access to superior forage resources requires a multi-faceted approach. Encouraging the cultivation of high-quality forage crops, improving storage facilities, and providing financial support to farmers for feed procurement are essential steps.
Also, leveraging technology to optimize feed distribution and management can ensure that livestock have access to the necessary nutrition for optimal growth and productivity.
Read also: Food security: Supporting the role of women livestock farmers
What are the top priorities for Livestock247 Services in Nigeria over the next few years?
Our top priorities are building strategic partnerships to drive growth and sustainability in the livestock sector, expanding our platform to reach more farmers and buyers, enhancing our technological capabilities, and improving our logistics and veterinary services.
How do you plan to sustain and enhance your market presence?
To sustain and enhance our market presence, we will continue to innovate and offer value-added services to our users. This includes expanding our range of services, improving user experience on our platform, and increasing our outreach efforts.
Building strong relationships with our stakeholders, including farmers, buyers, and partners, will also be crucial in maintaining our competitive edge.
The food sector, especially the livestock subsector has continued to provide new opportunities for investors. Which area will you encourage investments across the livestock value chain?
We encourage investments in areas such as feed production, veterinary services, logistics, and technology solutions for livestock management. These areas have significant growth potential and can drive efficiency and productivity in the livestock value chain.
Investing in these sectors can also help address some of the critical challenges faced by the industry and contribute to overall food security in Nigeria.
To what extent can collaboration help address problems in Nigeria’s livestock production in the long term?
Collaboration is vital in addressing the challenges in Nigeria’s livestock production. Partnerships between the government, private sector, research institutions, and international organisations can lead to the development and implementation of effective solutions.
Collaborative efforts can drive innovation, share best practices, and pool resources to tackle issues such as disease management, feed scarcity, and market access. At Livestock247, we believe that working with various stakeholders is essential for the sustainable development of the livestock sector.
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