The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Livestock Development, has commenced a nationwide baseline study and trained 100 small-scale dairy farmers in Oyo State as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s livestock sector, improve food security, and boost local dairy production.

The ministry disclosed this in separate statements signed by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Henrietta Okokon, on Monday.

According to the ministry, the nationwide baseline study is designed to establish “a credible, evidence-based foundation” for the ministry’s Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and support growth across the livestock value chain.

It stated, “The Baseline Study, which spans 67 result indicators, is designed to assess the current status of the sector, enable systematic tracking of performance over time, and provide a sound basis for policy formulation, planning, and investment decision-making.”

The ministry added that the initiative aligns with its commitment to transparency, accountability, and results-oriented governance. Field engagements for the study were conducted between April 20 and 24, 2026, using what the ministry described as “a rigorous mixed-methods approach” involving secondary data reviews, Focus Group Discussions, and Key Informant Interviews.

According to the statement, the ministry adopted a value chain approach to ensure broad coverage of the sector, including cattle production, poultry, small ruminants, piggery, feed and fodder systems, veterinary services, logistics, and market infrastructure.

It said, “Recognising the livestock sector as an interconnected system, the Ministry has adopted a value chain approach, including cattle (beef and dairy), poultry (broilers, layers, and hatcheries), small ruminants (sheep and goats), piggery, micro livestock, feed and fodder systems, and essential services such as veterinary care, logistics, and market infrastructure, to ensure holistic coverage.”

The ministry noted that field activities were carried out across six states to reflect Nigeria’s geographic and production diversity. It added that stakeholders engaged in the exercise included producers, pastoralists, ranch operators, processors, aggregators, traders, marketers, input suppliers, service providers, and government regulatory institutions.

The ministry explained that the Focus Group Discussions provided insights into production challenges, market dynamics, and performance drivers, while the Key Informant Interviews captured perspectives from government officials, technical experts, and private sector players.

It stated that the outcome of the study would be released in the coming weeks and would serve as a benchmark for measuring progress and guiding interventions in the sector.

“The outcomes of the Baseline Study are expected to be made public in the coming weeks and will provide a critical benchmark for measuring progress, informing targeted interventions, and strengthening coordination across the livestock ecosystem,” the statement added.

The ministry further noted that the study would contribute to advancing food security, economic diversification, and sustainable livelihoods in the country. As part of efforts to strengthen the dairy value chain, the ministry also trained 100 small-scale dairy farmers in Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to the statement, the training focused on equipping participants with practical knowledge on dairy farming best practices, improved husbandry techniques, and sustainable approaches to milk production, collection, and processing.

Speaking through the statement, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Ajimobi, said the initiative was critical to improving the capacity of dairy farmers and boosting national dairy production.

“As we continue to push for self-sufficiency in livestock production, initiatives like this remind us that real transformation begins with empowering farmers at the grassroots.

“This training is essential to improving productivity, ensuring quality, and building a sustainable dairy value chain that benefits rural communities and the nation at large,” he said.

Ajimobi reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to unlocking the economic potential of the livestock sector through targeted policies, strategic partnerships, and impactful programmes. He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained and become agents of change within their communities.

Also, the Oyo State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Florence Kalulu, described smallholder dairy farmers as critical to Nigeria’s agricultural system.

“Smallholder dairy farmers are the backbone of local milk production. Their resilience and dedication continue to sustain communities across this state and beyond,” she said.

Kalulu identified low productivity, poor animal health management, inadequate hygiene practices, and limited access to modern techniques as major challenges affecting the dairy sector.

She said addressing the challenges would improve the quality, safety, and profitability of dairy production. According to her, the initiative aligns with the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy aimed at boosting productivity, improving livelihoods, reducing import dependence, and strengthening food and nutrition security.

“This training is not just about learning, but about transformation. We expect participants to become ambassadors of good practices, sharing knowledge and inspiring others within their communities,” she added.

The statement noted that the training programme covered sustainable feed supply through improved pasture development and feed conservation, breed improvement, feeding practices for milking cows, herd health management, and milk handling opportunities.

In her remarks, the President of the Women in Dairy Production Association, Racheal Eyitayo-Ariori, commended the Federal Government for prioritising the dairy sector and called for greater inclusion of women in dairy production.

“When small-scale dairy farmers are supported, the impact on the economy is significant, with increased milk production and broader economic benefits,” she said.

One of the participants, Moyosore Olatunde, called for increased youth participation in dairy farming. “We need more young people to come into dairy farming with innovative ideas, and this can happen faster when the government provides the necessary support,” he said.

The ministry added that the training featured classroom instruction, interactive discussions, pictorial demonstrations, and hands-on practical sessions. It also disclosed that participants received essential inputs, including heifers, feed, and salt licks, to support improved dairy operations and productivity.

The ministry stated that it would continue to scale up similar interventions nationwide as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s livestock sector and ensure sustainable growth in dairy production.