FG Calls for Stronger Africa–Brazil Partnership to Boost Livestock, Food Security

The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration between Africa and Brazil to transform the continent's livestock and agrifood systems through science, innovation, research, and technology transfer.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made the call while chairing the High-Level Ministerial Session on Africa–Brazil Partnership for Agrifood Systems Transformation during the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW9) and the 10th Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) General Assembly held in Abuja.

                  

Maiha said Africa and Brazil share similar ecological conditions and agricultural potential, making closer cooperation essential for improving food security, reducing poverty, and increasing livestock productivity across the continent.

He pointed to Brazil's successful transformation of the Cerrado into a major agricultural hub as evidence of what sustained investment in research, innovation, and strong public-private collaboration can achieve. According to him, Africa can replicate similar success through strategic policies, scientific advancement, and investment in human capital.

                  

The Minister stressed that livestock development should remain a key area of cooperation, with partnerships focusing on animal genetics, pasture development, breeding, disease control, nutrition, and climate-smart production systems. He noted that such collaboration would strengthen value chains, create employment opportunities, and improve the livelihoods of millions of livestock farmers.

Maiha also emphasized the importance of empowering young people, promoting technology transfer, and strengthening research institutions to build resilient and sustainable food systems capable of meeting Africa's growing food demand.

                       

Speaking at the event, Abdul-Razak Ibrahim of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) described Africa and Brazil as natural partners with strong historical and scientific ties. He said Brazil's agricultural success demonstrates the importance of investing in science, innovation, and research while encouraging Africa to adopt solutions suited to its own realities.

The ministerial session brought together policymakers, scientists, researchers, development partners, and government representatives from Nigeria, Brazil, and other African countries to discuss practical strategies for expanding cooperation in agricultural research, livestock development, innovation, and technology transfer.

Source: Federal Ministry of Livestock Development