ILRI strengthens livestock partnerships in Nigeria and Sierra Leone

NIGERIA – According to a report by Independent Nigeria, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is deepening its collaborative efforts in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and beyond to transform Africa’s livestock sector.

Dr. Siboniso Moyo, ILRI’s Deputy Director General for Partnerships and Impact, highlighted these developments during a high-level visit to IITA Ibadan alongside Sierra Leone’s President, H.E. Dr Julius Maada Bio. 

The visit aimed to explore agricultural innovation and cement partnerships that align with Sierra Leone’s “Feed Salone” strategy and Nigeria’s recently launched Livestock Master Plan (LMP).

“Our visit showcased how ILRI’s research and technologies can support agricultural development goals, particularly in the livestock sector,” said Dr. Moyo. “We were impressed by the President’s commitment to improving food security and livelihoods.”

The visit included a tour of Oyo State with the Governor, presenting further opportunities for regional collaboration between ILRI, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and Nigerian institutions. 

Scalable development strategies 

The tour also catalysed discussions on practical, scalable livestock development strategies for Sierra Leone, including forage production, improved animal husbandry, and transforming cassava waste into economic value.

In Nigeria, ILRI is playing a pivotal role in shaping the Livestock Master Plan—a strategic blueprint designed to overhaul the country’s livestock sector. 

This master plan was developed with the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ILRI, the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support project team, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and other relevant ministries. 

The LMP, which draws on ILRI’s successful experience supporting similar plans in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Rwanda, aims to boost productivity, animal health, market access, and climate resilience.

“This isn’t just a document—it’s a strategic plan grounded in data and practical solutions,” said Dr. Moyo. “It recognises the diversity in Nigeria’s pastoral, agro-pastoral, and commercial systems and tailors interventions accordingly.”

The LMP identifies critical challenges such as feed shortages, disease control, and limited market access, while simultaneously pinpointing investment and value chain expansion opportunities. 

It also features a robust implementation framework involving private sector investment, targeted donor funding, and catalytic government support.

Crucially, ILRI has pledged direct support to Nigeria’s newly established Ministry of Livestock Development, offering research-driven insights, scenario modelling, and technical assistance to guide policy implementation.

“At the heart of our work is a commitment to helping Nigeria build a strong, competitive, and inclusive livestock sector—one that boosts productivity, creates jobs, and improves livelihoods,” Dr. Moyo emphasised.

ILRI also plans to link Nigeria’s livestock ecosystem to regional and global stakeholders, fostering innovation and resilience across the continent.

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