The National Sheep and Goat Development Association of Nigeria (NASHGODAN) has called on the Federal Government to establish demonstration farms for sheep and goat production across the country.
The association said the farms would help improve livestock production, train farmers in modern practices and strengthen disease control in the small-ruminant sector.
NASHGODAN made the call as interest in sheep and goat farming continues to grow in Nigeria. The association said demonstration farms would provide practical training centres where farmers could learn improved methods of breeding, feeding, healthcare and general animal management.
According to the association, having such farms in different parts of the country would make it easier for farmers to access practical knowledge and apply modern livestock-production techniques.
Focus on Farmer Training
The proposed demonstration farms are expected to serve as learning centres for both new and existing farmers.
Farmers could receive practical training on animal nutrition, breeding, disease prevention and proper housing. Such training can help reduce losses and improve the productivity of small-ruminant farms.
The Federal Government has already been supporting sheep and goat farmers through training programmes. On September 21, 2026, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development trained 200 farmers in Kano State in improved sheep and goat production practices. The beneficiaries also received livestock, animal feed and stipends to help them apply the knowledge gained during the programme.
The ministry said sheep and goats are important to Nigeria’s livestock economy because they can be raised by many households and require relatively modest start-up investment.
The animals also provide meat, milk, skin and other products that can contribute to household income and food security.
Need to Improve Livestock Production
The call for demonstration farms comes at a time when Nigeria is also working to address challenges affecting livestock production, including high feed costs, insecurity and limited access to modern farming techniques.
The Federal Government has recently emphasised the need for a reliable supply of livestock feed throughout the year.
The Minister of Livestock Development said improved access to quality feed could help farmers achieve better animal growth and reduce the time required to prepare livestock for the market.
The ministry has also stressed the importance of strengthening the wider livestock value chain, including feed production, animal production, abattoirs, meat processing, transportation and marketing.
Possible Benefits for Farmers
If established, demonstration farms could give farmers access to practical examples of modern livestock production rather than relying only on classroom training.
They could also help promote improved breeds and better animal-health practices while giving agricultural officers and researchers places to demonstrate new technologies.
For young Nigerians interested in livestock farming, the farms could also provide opportunities to learn the business side of sheep and goat production.
NASHGODAN’s proposal therefore focuses on creating a stronger support system around small-ruminant farming, with practical training and better production methods at the centre of the programme.
