Report on Nigeria’s Initiative to Conserve Local Animal Genetics in Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to establish gene banks aimed at conserving the country’s indigenous animal genetic resources. This initiative aligns with the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR), adopted in 2007 at the first International Technical Conference on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture held in Interlaken, Switzerland.

Background and Framework

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) is leading the domestication of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources Management. This plan, developed and adopted by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) member countries, promotes sustainable management of animal genetic resources and provides a framework for international cooperation on AnGR.

Government Commitment and Strategic Actions

At the launch of the Nigerian National Action Plan on Animal Genetic Resources Management and the inauguration of the advisory committee members in Abuja, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, emphasized the importance of conserving indigenous genetics. He highlighted lessons learned from other African countries that have lost their local animal genetics and expressed Nigeria’s commitment to aggressively pursue gene bank creation.

• Conservation of indigenous animal genetics to prevent loss of biodiversity.
• Bridging gaps in technical capacity, stakeholder coordination, and long-term planning.
• Ensuring meaningful involvement of scientific communities, civil society organizations, and private sector actors.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This initiative supports multiple SDGs, including:

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – By improving livestock productivity and resilience through genetic resource management.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Through sustainable management of animal genetic resources.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land – By conserving biodiversity and preventing loss of indigenous animal species.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Via collaboration with international bodies like FAO and engagement of multiple stakeholders.

Development and Validation of the National Strategy

The L-PRES project, under the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, supported the formulation of Nigeria’s national strategy and action plan for AnGR. This strategy was developed following FAO protocols and enriched through consultations with critical stakeholders. It has undergone thorough review and validation.

The Minister confirmed that the national strategy and action plan have been formally approved for implementation, signaling Nigeria’s resolve to transform the livestock sector in line with global best practices.

International Engagement and Observations

Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator for L-PRES, highlighted the necessity of adopting the strategy. He reported that from 18th to 22nd November 2024, a Nigerian delegation participated in the Global National Coordinators’ workshop and the 13th regular session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on AnGR at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

• Nigeria was observed to have observer status rather than delegate status, unlike other African countries.
• This status was attributed to Nigeria’s previous non-fulfillment of obligations under the Interlaken declaration and Global Plan of Action on AnGR.

Next Steps

Nigeria plans to officially submit the national strategy and action plan on animal genetic resources, along with the list of national coordinators and advisory committee members, to the FAO. This submission aims to deepen discussions for sustainable domestication of the Global Plan of Action and effective implementation of AnGR.

Conclusion

The Federal Government’s initiative to create gene banks and implement a national strategy for animal genetic resource management demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. This effort is critical for achieving key Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring the resilience and productivity of the livestock sector.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article discusses the conservation of local animal genetics, which is critical for sustainable livestock production and food security.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The sustainable management of animal genetic resources aligns with responsible production practices.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Conservation of animal genetic diversity supports biodiversity and ecosystem health.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article highlights international cooperation and stakeholder engagement, including FAO guidance and multi-sectoral involvement.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including through sustainable livestock management.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, including genetic diversity of livestock.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicators related to SDG 2
   • Livestock productivity metrics (implied by the focus on improving animal genetic resources and livestock sector transformation).
   • Number of gene banks established for conservation of animal genetic resources.
2. Indicators related to SDG 12
   • Extent of sustainable management practices adopted in animal genetic resource conservation.
3. Indicators related to SDG 15
   • Genetic diversity indices of indigenous livestock populations.
   • Number of countries with national strategies for animal genetic resource management.
4. Indicators related to SDG 17
   • Participation and compliance with international agreements such as the Global Plan of Action for AnGR.
   • Number of stakeholder consultations and partnerships formed for AnGR management.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: dailytrust.com