Nigeria can earn $60m annually from donkey production – Farmers
The National Association of Donkey Farmers (NADFAMS) has highlighted a significant, yet often overlooked, opportunity in Nigeria's agricultural landscape—the potential of the donkey industry to generate upwards of $60 million a year while offering employment to countless young people across the nation.
During the celebratory launch of NADFAMS and the unveiling of their new headquarters in Abuja, Mr. Chidebere Innabuike, a revered member of the association's Board of Trustees and the CEO of EST Emmalex Global Farms Ltd, underscored the economic promise of comprehensive donkey farming.
According to Innabuike, Nigeria stands at the precipice of an agricultural renaissance if it taps into the full spectrum of donkey production. By focusing on the breeding of donkeys, Nigeria could not only meet domestic demands but also position itself as a leading exporter in the global market, thereby bolstering its economy.
Explaining the strategy behind this forecasted boom, Innabuike stated, "If Nigeria steers towards the production and export of donkeys, as well as processing, there's potential to create a substantial revenue stream. However, the focus at present is on ramping up production rather than processing. We're setting an ambitious but achievable timeline of five to seven years to reach these objectives, with the dual benefit of alleviating unemployment among our youth."
Innabuike emphasized the multifaceted value donkeys contribute, extending far beyond the bounds of agricultural and economic benefits by providing medicinal properties as well. He passionately appealed to the government to bolster the nascent donkey farming industry with financial aid such as grants or loans to catalyze investment in donkey production.
Expressing the association’s determination to propel the industry, Innabuike remarked, “We are resolutely asking the government for support to help donkey farmers achieve the ambitious target of producing millions of donkeys annually. Considerable assistance in the form of grants or loans could significantly help us reach this milestone."
He spelled out the association's strategic plans for industrial growth, which involve setting up specialized donkey ranches in regions well-suited for such endeavors, particularly in the northern parts of Nigeria.
“Recently, we've planned to develop donkey ranches across several key states where conditions are favorable for donkey breeding, especially in the north. To bring this to fruition, we are looking to the ministry of agriculture for loans or grants. Our vision includes the establishment of expansive ranches, which can be realized with governmental support,” Innabuike noted.
Furthermore, Innabuike shared details about the association's current operations and future expansions: “Right now, in Nasarawa, we have operational ranches covering an area of about 12.5 hectares. Our goal is to broaden our reach and establish additional ranches in Gombe, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, and Kano States. We're committed to expanding our footprint and enhancing our production capabilities throughout the northern regions.”
The National President of NADFAMS, Alhaji Abubakar Kagu, voiced his assurance that the establishment of the association would serve as a boon to the Nigerian government's initiatives aimed at amplifying donkey production within the nation.
Kagu pointed out that the primary mission of NADFAMS is to invigorate the rural economy and generate ample employment opportunities. He highlighted the association's supportive role in enhancing food production, particularly in regions where the terrain is less conducive to mechanized agriculture and where animal traction, specifically harnessing donkeys, becomes essential.
Furthermore, Kagu emphasized the association's commitment to working in tandem with the Federal Government to curb the illicit slaughter and exportation of donkeys. This collaborative effort aims to regulate and monitor these activities through the proactive engagement of NADFAMS members across the country.
With a determined tone, Kagu proclaimed, “I am convinced that NADFAMS will play a critical role in preventing the potential extinction of donkeys and position Nigeria as a leader in the global effort to conserve donkeys, ultimately generating prosperity for millions of our farmers.” This confidence reflects the association's vision for a sustainable and profitable future for donkey farming in Nigeria. (NAN)
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