News in brief:
– A Nigerian rabbit farmer advocates for rabbit farming as a viable alternative to traditional livestock due to its affordability and nutritional benefits.
– Despite initial challenges, he believes that the growing demand for healthier and more sustainable food options will drive the profitability of rabbit farming in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s thriving animal protein industry is a cornerstone of rural livelihoods. With more than 20 million heads of cattle, a goat population of over 80 million, essentially the highest in Africa, and 249 million poultry birds, the country is abundantly blessed in this regard.
However, with the increasing cost of purchasing beef or poultry products in the country, owing to several factors ranging from increased transportation costs to high costs of inputs, enterprising farmers are exploring other nutritional alternatives.
One such alternative to traditional beef or poultry production and consumption is rabbit farming.
Rabbit farming as a viable option
Gideon Aruwan, a 32-year-old livestock farmer from Kaduna but resident in Lagos state, Nigeria, is one young enterprising farmer who is among those pushing for more consumption of rabbit meat, as a healthy and cost-effective alternative to the traditionally consumed animal protein sources like cows and chickens.
His collection of about 30 rabbits includes varieties like Hyla and Agouti breeds, though he said he used to have other varieties like California and Harlequin, but recently sold them off.
“You know in Nigeria now, things are very expensive,” he stated. “Meat (beef) that used to be very well consumed because of affordability, is now on the very high side. A neighbour showed me ₦3000 meat she bought in the market the other day and honestly, I just shook my head. Let’s not even talk about chicken, whether frozen or live.”
The impact of food inflation
Aruwan’s claim is not without substance. Food costs in Nigeria have increased sharply in recent months, rising by a substantial 37.52% compared to the same month the previous year. This surge contributed to an average food inflation rate of 13.65% between 1996 and 2024.
Consequently, throughout this period, food inflation experienced fluctuations, reaching a peak of 40.87% in June 2024. Effectively, this situation has affected the cost of a healthy diet (CoHD) in Nigeria, with proteins, which account for 37%, witnessing reduced presence in many Nigerian diets. According to a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report, over 70% of Nigerians cannot afford a healthy diet.
The situation, Aruwan believes, can be remedied by seeking less popular but viable nutritional alternatives, to avoid increasing cases of malnutrition in the country.
Rabbit farming as a solution
Rabbit farming presents an opportunity to improve diet and for producers to earn a living. “Rabbits are a low-maintenance, high-yield investment,” explains Aruwan. “They reproduce rapidly, and their meat is rich in protein and low in cholesterol. It’s a healthier alternative to beef and chicken.”
Environmental benefits
Beyond the nutritional benefits, rabbit farming also offers several environmental advantages. According to the farmer, rabbits produce less methane, a potent greenhouse gas, compared to ruminants like cows. Also, their manure can be used as a natural fertiliser for crops, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers.
Opportunities in rabbit farming
Aruwan offers a note of caution to those interested in going into the venture.
“To be sincere, rabbit farming is not yet that lucrative, because people have not acquired a taste for it. Hence, demand for the product may not be as high as, say beef or chicken,” he said.
However, he sees a ray of hope in the present economic realities in the country.
“I want to believe that the way the economy is going now, it is imperative for farmers to look into this venture of livestock farming as a way to boost livelihoods soon,” he said. He notes that the situation will make many animal protein consumers in the country seek cheaper sources.
“For example, in my area (Ijanikin), pig meat (pork) is not widely consumed, but recently, demand for pork has risen as cow and chicken prices continue to rise unabated. This means people are not averse to trying alternatives, which is a welcome development and news for rabbit farmers,” he added.
Pricing
In terms of price, Aruwan states that a mature adult rabbit, that weighs between 4kg to 7kg, can go for anywhere from ₦5,000 to ₦7,000 at least. He quickly adds that this is just an average amount as some can be sold for higher depending on breeds and locations.
Feeding
Feeding rabbits is not as intensive as other livestock ventures. They typically consume leafy vegetables in large quantities, as they are voracious eaters.
“In order not to waste resources in growing them from weaners to adults, it is important to practice a hybrid feeding system; that includes a rotational system of specialised feed and vegetables. This is because the cost of feed has gone up in recent times,” he explained.
“Before now, we used to buy their feed for less than ₦8,000 but it now hovers around ₦11,000 to ₦13,000 for a 25k bag of rabbit pellets,” he said.
Ultimately, Gideon Aruwan believes that rabbit farming will ultimately prove to be a game changer as a suitable alternative to the increasingly unaffordable traditional options. He adds that this is very likely because Nigerians already consume rabbits as a delicacy, although in the wild ‘bushmeat’ variety.
One financial analysis showed that rabbit farming was a profitable venture, with an average net farm income of ₦30,403.81 per production cycle. The total revenue of ₦121,950 in the study period, exceeded the total cost of ₦91,546.19.
Five advantages of rabbit farming
- Rapid Growth: Rabbits have one of the fastest growth rates of any livestock, reaching market weight in a relatively short period. This means farmers can generate income more quickly compared to other animals.
- Efficient Feed Conversion: Rabbits are highly efficient at converting feed into meat, requiring less feed per unit of weight gain than many other livestock. This makes them a cost-effective option for farmers.
- Low Environmental Impact: Rabbits produce less methane, a potent greenhouse gas, compared to ruminants like cattle. Their manure can also be used as a natural fertiliser, reducing the need for chemical inputs.
- Versatility: Rabbits can be raised for meat, fur, and even as pets. This versatility provides farmers with multiple income streams.
- Market Demand: There is a growing demand for rabbit meat, particularly in urban areas where consumers are seeking healthier and more sustainable food options.
Challenges and considerations
- Specialised Knowledge: Raising rabbits requires specific knowledge and skills, including proper housing, nutrition, and breeding practices.
- Disease Management: Rabbits are susceptible to certain diseases, and proper disease prevention and management are essential.
- Market Fluctuations: The market for rabbit products can fluctuate, and farmers need to be prepared to adapt to changing demand.
- Initial Investment: Setting up a rabbit farm requires an initial investment in housing, equipment, and breeding stock.
Conclusion
As Nigeria grapples with rising food prices and the increasing cost of living, rabbit farming emerges as a promising alternative for both consumers and entrepreneurs. Gideon Aruwan’s successful venture demonstrates the viability and potential of this underutilised livestock sector. The rapid growth rate, efficient feed conversion, and environmental benefits of rabbits make them an attractive option for farmers seeking a sustainable and profitable livelihood.
While there are challenges to overcome, such as market fluctuations and the need for specialised knowledge, the potential rewards of rabbit farming are significant. By embracing this opportunity, entrepreneurs can contribute to food security, improve nutrition, and reduce their environmental impact. As consumer preferences shift towards healthier and more sustainable food options, rabbit farming is poised to play a vital role in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
