Livestock Farming: Katsina Takes Bold Step Towards Financial Stability
Dr Ibrahim Sani Kaita, Administrative Secretary at the Institute of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has hailed the Katsina State government’s animal rearing program as a transformative initiative that will stimulate economic growth and development.
Governor Dikko Umar Radda recently launched the program, which involves distributing goats to less privileged individuals to promote self-sufficiency and financial stability.
Dr. Kaita, a renowned development expert and university administrator, described the project as a game-changer capable of lifting the state out of poverty, in an interview with THE WHISTLER.
“This program will not only create employment opportunities for women and youth but also help eradicate social vices that have plagued our communities for far too long,” he stated.
Animal rearing is widely recognized as a key driver of economic growth. In India, for example, the livestock sector recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9 per cent between 2014-15 and 2020-21, significantly contributing to the country’s GDP.
Katsina’s goat distribution project is expected to have a similar ripple effect, stimulating economic activity and improving the well-being of its population.
Beyond financial benefits, animal rearing enhances food security, provides employment, and promotes biodiversity. It also supports ecosystem services and sustainable agricultural practices.
However, Dr Kaita cautioned that challenges such as disease outbreaks, feed scarcity, and inadequate policy support could hinder the project’s success.
He advised the government to ensure careful planning, effective implementation, and stakeholder engagement to maximize its impact.
According to him, the global market especially in Africa and the Middle East offers significant opportunities for livestock farming, making the project a viable economic strategy.
Commending the initiative, Dr Kaita described it as a visionary step towards economic development.
“As the state embraces animal rearing, it is poised to unlock the potential of this vital sector, improving the lives of its citizens and securing a brighter future for generations to come,” he concluded.
Livestock Farming: Katsina Takes Bold Step Towards Financial Stability is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
