An assessment of Nigeria’s microlivestock value chain: insights from six species

Abstract

Microlivestock farming offers potential to improve incomes and nutrition in Nigeria, yet the subsector remains fragmented and underdeveloped. There is, in addition, a lack of reliable data to support value-chain-wide development. This study presents an explorative, mixed-methods assessment of the value chains of six microlivestock species commonly raised in Nigeria. The study was conducted in six purposively selected states: Oyo (rabbits), Anambra (grasscutters), Ondo (snails), Katsina (guinea fowl), Plateau (quail), and Kwara (honeybees), spanning five agroecological zones, integrating data from questionnaire surveys (n = 114), gender-disaggregated focus group discussions (n = 120), and key informant interviews (n = 18). Microlivestock production was the primary source of livelihood for 10% (honeybees) to 33.3% (grasscutter) of farmers sampled. Across the value chains, the proportions of surveyed farmers engaged in multiple economic activities ranged from 10.0% (guinea fowl) to 88.9% (quail), indicating the supplementary role of microlivestock to household incomes. Farmer association membership was highest among rabbit (95%), honeybee (70%), and grasscutter (61.1%) farmers. In comparison, farmers of guinea fowl (10.0%), quail (17.0%), and snail (27.8%) in the sample had lower rates of association membership. The farmers reported persistent challenges, including limited access to specialized feed and veterinary services, and weak market linkages. The study participants also reported gender disparities and barriers to youth participation in microlivestock value chains, despite high youth interest. The study identified strategic opportunities in the formation of cooperatives, digital marketing, e-commerce, species-specific extension, and supporting youth-led enterprises. The findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive, youth-inclusive policies and programs, alongside species-targeted interventions in the subsector. This assessment provides evidence to support current livestock policies and strategies, as well as the integration of microlivestock into broader livestock reform agendas.