Ekiti govt unveils cooperative devt training for livestock farmers

The Ekiti State Government has stressed the importance of strong cooperative structures in boosting livestock production, improving farmers’ access to finance, and creating sustainable economic opportunities across the state.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, stated this while declaring open a training on Modern Cooperative Management and Operations in the Livestock Value Chain organised under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) in Ado-Ekiti.

Boluwade said farmers and livestock producers achieve greater success when they operate through well-organised and transparent cooperatives capable of attracting investments, accessing credit facilities, and securing better market opportunities.

According to him, sustainable growth in the livestock sector requires not only increased production but also effective leadership, sound financial management, and strong institutions.

The commissioner, who was represented by the ministry’s director of planning, research, and statistics, Omolade Adeleye, noted that the Federal Government and the World Bank initiated the L-PRES program to improve livestock productivity, commercialisation, and resilience while strengthening institutions across the value chain.

The commissioner highlighted several interventions already being implemented in Ekiti under the project, including the construction of an ultra-modern abattoir along Iworoko Road in Ado-Ekiti; the establishment of pig slaughter slabs in Ikere, Ilawe, and Ago-Aduloju; livestock water projects; farmer field schools; sheep and goat multiplication schemes; and youth empowerment programs.

Boluwade said the training was designed to equip cooperative leaders and cluster coordinators with modern skills in governance, financial management, business planning, collective marketing, and conflict resolution.

He lamented that many cooperatives suffer from weak leadership, poor recordkeeping, and inadequate financial controls, challenges that often limit their growth and access to funding opportunities.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting livestock farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs, the commissioner said the state would continue to invest in infrastructure, market development, capacity building, and institutional strengthening.

“Together, we can build stronger cooperatives, stronger livestock value chains, and a more prosperous agricultural sector for Ekiti State,” Boluwade said.

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The commissioner urged participants to utilise the knowledge gained from the training to build stronger and more profitable cooperatives capable of driving economic growth and improving livelihoods in the state.

Speaking, the State L-PRES coordinator, Olayinka Adedipe said the training was designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to establish and manage strong and effective cooperative societies capable of driving economic growth and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

According to him, cooperative societies remain a vital tool for economic development, particularly in livestock production, as they enable farmers to pool resources and access financial support from banks and development partners.

He explained that the initiative is particularly targeted at women and farmers involved in the project’s priority value chains, including poultry, sheep and goat production, beef, dairy, and piggery.

“The essence of bringing the cluster heads and lead teams together is to help them understand the importance of a formidable cooperative society and how to run it seamlessly. Through collective efforts, farmers can access soft loans and even qualify for grants through well-structured business proposals,” he said.

On his part, the Lead Consultant, Dr Abdulaziz Salau, has described cooperative societies as one of the world’s most effective tools for poverty reduction and food security, urging greater adoption of modern cooperative structures across Nigeria.