The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the animal feed industry across the region in a renewed effort to tackle food insecurity and boost livestock productivity.

The regional body made this known during a meeting held under the Research and Innovation Project on Productive, Resilient and Healthy Agropastoral Systems in West Africa (PRISMA), organised in collaboration with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. 

The gathering addressed the key challenges limiting livestock performance and designed strategies for improved food security across member states.

Speaking at the opening session, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray,  represented by the Acting Executive Director of the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (ARAA), Mr Konlani Kanfitin, emphasised the crucial role of livestock in the economies of West African nations. 

He noted that the sector makes a significant contribution to food security, job creation, and the livelihoods of rural communities.

However, Kanfitin observed that growth in the livestock sector continues to be constrained by the limited availability, quality, and high cost of animal feed. 

He highlighted that the PRISMA project, co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the Spanish Cooperation Agency (AECID), has made notable progress in addressing these issues across the subregion.

“Its development remains hindered by a major constraint, the availability, quality, and cost of animal feed,” he said. 

“We have conducted studies on establishing feed supply centres, developed online purchasing applications, and prepared harmonised protocols for animal feed analysis. These efforts will make the ECOWAS Regional Food Security Reserve more effective in managing crises.”

Representing Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Mr Edi Muktambe, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Chinyere Akujobi, commended ECOWAS for selecting Nigeria as host of the workshop. 

She described the event as a timely intervention for transforming the livestock system sustainably.

Akujobi also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Livestock Development, describing the move as a demonstration of his belief in the livestock sector’s strategic role in driving national growth and ensuring economic stability.

Source: Independent News