The World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project has reached approximately 1.4 million beneficiaries across 20 states in Nigeria. The project, valued at about $500 million and expected to run for six years, aims to improve livestock productivity, strengthen resilience, and enhance commercialization across key value chains, including beef, dairy, sheep, goat, poultry, and feed systems.
Mid-Term Review Highlights Progress
National Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Abubakar Sanusi, speaking at the Mid-Term Review (MTR), stated that the review aims to assess progress and strengthen the next phase of implementation across Nigeria. He noted that the project is part of the Federal Government's broader livestock transformation agenda under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at repositioning the livestock sector as a major contributor to national economic growth, food security, employment generation, and rural development.
Exceeding Initial Targets
Dr. Sanusi revealed that the number of beneficiaries has exceeded the project's initial target of 1.43 million. The beneficiaries include 546,000 females and 903,000 males, reflecting the broad reach of the project. Interventions range from training and advisory services to vaccination campaigns, pasture development, infrastructure support, and input distribution to help livestock farmers improve productivity, resilience, and income generation.
Key Achievements in Livestock Production
Dr. Sanusi highlighted improvements in livestock and milk production. Milk production per cow rose from 274.5 liters to 375.9 liters annually, while cattle carcass weight increased from 135 kg to 160 kg. Sheep production improved from 14.22 kg to 21.43 kg, and goat production showed steady progress. Additionally, 1,492 farmers benefited from artificial insemination services, with over 3,489 cattle already inseminated.
Empowering Women and Strengthening Resilience
The project is expanding economic opportunities for women and strengthening household resilience in rural communities. Animal health interventions remain a key pillar. Dr. Sanusi emphasized that the livestock sector holds major economic potential to create jobs, improve food security, expand exports, and support rural livelihoods.
Training and Technology Adoption
The project has reached over 388,000 farmers with agricultural services, and more than 101,000 farmers have adopted improved livestock technologies. Over 6,184 personnel, including extension workers, veterinary officers, and artificial insemination technicians, have received specialized training, representing significant progress in institutional strengthening.
Alignment with National Agenda
Dr. Sanusi added that the project aligns with the Federal Government's Livestock Transformation Agenda under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. The meeting was attended by World Bank officials, state project coordinators, the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation, among others.
Future Commitments
As the project moves into its next phase, stakeholders reiterated their commitment to supporting the vision of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development under Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha. The goal is to transform Nigeria's livestock sector into a modern, competitive, and economically viable industry capable of contributing significantly to national development, food security, employment generation, and economic diversification under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
