Dr Siboniso Moyo, the Deputy Director Partnership and Impact at the International Livestocks Research Institute (ILRI) in this interview with NURUDEEN ALIMI talks about Livestock Master Plan (LMP), her recent visit to IITA, Ibadan as part of the high level foreign delegates for the Sierra Leonean President’s visit, potentials for collaborative initiatives between ILRI, IITA and Nigeria, and by extension, other African countries, support for Nigeria’s new Ministry of Livestock Development, among others.
You recently represented ILRI during the visit of the Sierra Leonean President to IITA and also toured Oyo State with him and the Governor. Could you tell us the primary purpose of your visit?
My visit was primarily to participate in the high-level visit to IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria by H.E. Dr Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone and his delegation. This was an opportunity to showcase how our research and technologies at ILRI could support their agricultural development goals, particularly in the livestock sector, strengthen partnerships, foster innovation, and mobilise investments to accelerate the Feed Salone Strategy.
I was impressed by the president’s commitment to improving food security and livelihoods in his country. The tour of Oyo State further highlighted the potential for collaborative initiatives between ILRI, IITA and Nigeria, and by extension, other African nations.
What were some of the key experiences or moments that stood out to you during the event, and are there any upcoming engagements ILRI anticipates with the Sierra Leonean agricultural sector?
The President’s keen interest in practical, scalable solutions for livestock development was particularly noteworthy. We had discussions about potential collaborations in areas like forage development, improved animal production, and conversion of waste cassava peels to wealth.
We have now set the stage for further discussions to develop specific projects and partnerships to support the ‘Feed Salone’ strategy, and we look forward to a long and productive collaboration.
When talking about Livestock Master Plan (LMP) in Nigeria, ILRI has been instrumental in developing Livestock Master Plans (LMP ) for various countries, and now Nigeria. What does the LMP signify for Nigeria’s livestock sector, and how does ILRI’s experience developing LMPs elsewhere benefit Nigeria?
The LMP provides a strategic blueprint for Nigeria’s livestock sector. It provides a clear roadmap for improving productivity, animal health, market systems, and climate resilience, ensuring the sector reaches its full potential. This isn’t just a document – it is a strategic plan grounded in data and practical solutions to help Nigeria strengthen its livestock industry.
ILRI has supported several countries, including Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Rwanda, in developing their LMPs. This means Nigeria benefits from tested methodologies, best practices, and lessons learned while also fostering cross-country/regional collaboration for knowledge exchange, policy partnerships, and innovation.
How does the LMP address the specific challenges and opportunities within Nigeria’s diverse livestock systems?”
Nigeria’s livestock sector is incredibly diverse, covering pastoral, agro-pastoral and commercial systems each with its own needs and challenges.
The LMP takes a deep dive into the sector, using data-driven analysis and stakeholder consultations to identify key challenges, like feed shortages, disease control, market access issues, and climate threats. Beyond the challenges, it also pinpoints opportunities for value chain expansion, attracting investment and leveraging innovations to modernise the sector.
What’s critical is that the LMP doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach – it tailors practical and sustainable interventions to different production systems while prioritising key interventions across value chains and livestock commodities.
To ensure impact, it includes a results framework, structured implementation plan and detailed costing driven by private sector investment, catalytic government support, and targeted donor support.
As an international livestock research institute, what specific support can ILRI bring to the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development in Nigeria?”
ILRI is committed to supporting the new Ministry of Livestock Development with research-driven insights, technical expertise, and practical solutions. Our role is to ensure the Ministry has access to the best science and evidence to guide decision-making and implementation.
Some areas we hope to contribute to include helping implement the LMP through data analysis and scenario modelling, improving animal health, breeding, feeding, and farm management practices to drive productivity.
Beyond technical support, ILRI will facilitate partnership building—connecting Nigeria to regional and global stakeholders in livestock, food systems and climate resilience. Additionally, we will support efforts to strengthen value chains, ensuring that farmers, processors and businesses can access markets efficiently and profitably.
At the heart of our work is a commitment to helping Nigeria build a strong, more competitive and more inclusive livestock sector—one that boosts productivity, creates jobs, and improves livelihoods across the country.
As an international livestock research institute, what specific support can ILRI bring to the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development in Nigeria?
ILRI can provide evidence-based research, technical expertise, and capacity-building support to the ministry. We can assist in developing and implementing effective policies and strategies for livestock development. We can also facilitate access to innovative technologies and best practice from around the world.
Our focus is to support the ministry in achieving its goals of improving livestock productivity, food security, and livelihoods for Nigerian farmers.
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