Challenges for emerging small-scale livestock farmers in Nigeria
According to Food and Agriculture Organization, around 60 to 70% more food will have to be produced in the next 35 years, as a result both of population growth and rising incomes. The demand for cereals (both for food and animal feed) is projected to reach some 3 billion tons by 2050, while the annual cereal production will have to grow by almost a billion tons (2.1 billion tons today). Meat production on the other hand will have to rise up to over 200 million tons and reach a total of 470 million tons in 2050. 72% of this amount will be consumed in developing countries – in comparison to the 58% which is consumed today. Without a doubt, livestock and livestock products can make a crucial contribution to household economic and food security -as well as nutrition- in the developing world. Even small amounts of animal source foods can improve the nutritional status of low-income households.