News in brief:
– Nigeria’s animal protein consumption is significantly lower than the global average, leading to nutritional deficiencies.
– Increasing domestic production through improved livestock management practices is crucial to meet rising demand and reduce reliance on imports.
Nigeria’s animal protein consumption per capita is much lower than the global average, according to a report compiled by the country’s presidential livestock reforms implementation committee.
A lower consumption of animal protein such as meat, eggs and milk can lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Animal protein is a good source of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that are crucial for growth, development, and overall health.
For comparison, high meat consumers like Portugal, the United States, Spain, and Argentina consumer more than 100 kg per capita, which is higher than the 63 kg global average. Meanwhile, Nigeria records about 15 kg of poultry, beef, sheep, goat, pork, fish, seafood and other meats annually. It also trails in milk consumption.
The committee’s report mentioned that there is a demand for animal protein that local supply fails to satisfy. It adds that this demand could explode in the near future with growing population, quoting a projection by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that expects poultry meat and beef meat demand to grow by 253% and 117%, respectively.
This growth could create opportunities for livestock farmers, poultry producers, and fishers to expand their operations and meet the increasing demand.
However, if domestic production fails keep up with the rising demand, Nigeria may become more reliant on imports of animal protein. Thus, leading to increased food insecurity and a strain on foreign exchange reserves.
To increase domestic production of animal protein, Nigeria needs to improve its livestock management practices. This is what the committee proposes will form the core of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD), which will include investing in better infrastructure, providing access to quality feed, and controlling diseases.
It is important to also note that affordability could be playing a key part in lesser animal protein consumption. With food inflation, Nigerians are forced to o away with nutritious protein in exchange for heavier staples that fill the belly better.
