URBAN AND PERI-URBAN LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN MAKURDI METROPOLIS, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Chapter One: Introduction
URBAN AND PERI-URBAN LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN MAKURDI METROPOLIS, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
Rapid urbanization in developing countries has intensified concerns regarding food insecurity, unemployment, and declining household income, thereby increasing the relevance of urban and peri-urban agriculture as a sustainable livelihood strategy. This study examines the dynamics of urban and peri-urban livestock production in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria, with emphasis on production systems, socioeconomic characteristics of livestock keepers, production constraints, and extension service needs. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select six council wards from the study area, while 120 livestock farmers were randomly sampled for data collection using structured questionnaires and interview schedules. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean scores, and factor analysis.
Findings revealed that livestock production in Makurdi is predominantly practiced by economically active adults, with poultry production constituting the most common enterprise among respondents. The study identified intensive and semi-intensive production systems as the dominant management approaches adopted by urban livestock farmers. Livestock keeping served multiple socioeconomic functions, including income generation, household nutrition, food security enhancement, employment creation, and savings accumulation. The study further established that urban livestock production contributes significantly to the supply of animal protein within the metropolis despite challenges such as inadequate capital, poor veterinary services, unstable market prices, limited access to quality feed, disease outbreaks, and insufficient extension support.
Factor analysis categorized the major constraints affecting livestock production into financial, technical, and infrastructural limitations. The findings also indicated that although many respondents had access to extension services, interactions with extension agents remained irregular and insufficient to meet farmers’ growing technical needs. Major extension needs identified included disease control, vaccine management, livestock housing, feed formulation, and market access strategies.
The study concludes that urban and peri-urban livestock production remains an essential component of urban food systems and poverty reduction strategies in Makurdi Metropolis. It recommends increased governmental support through accessible credit facilities, improved veterinary and extension services, policy integration of urban agriculture into urban planning, and investment in sustainable livestock management practices to enhance productivity and environmental sustainability.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Urbanization has emerged as one of the most significant demographic transformations of the twenty-first century, particularly in developing nations where population growth continues to outpace infrastructural and economic development. The rapid expansion of urban centres has intensified pressure on food systems, housing, sanitation, and employment opportunities, thereby increasing the vulnerability of low-income urban households (FAO, 2021). In sub-Saharan Africa, urban population growth has accelerated dramatically, leading to increased dependence on urban and peri-urban agriculture as a coping strategy for food insecurity and poverty reduction.
Urban and peri-urban agriculture refers to agricultural activities, including crop cultivation and livestock production, carried out within and around urban settlements for subsistence, commercial, and nutritional purposes (Mougeot, 2005). Among the various components of urban agriculture, livestock production occupies a strategic position due to its contribution to food security, employment generation, income diversification, and nutritional improvement. Livestock enterprises such as poultry, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and fish farming provide essential animal protein and contribute significantly to household livelihoods in many urban communities.
Urban livestock keeping has increasingly gained attention in developing economies because of its capacity to improve resilience among urban households. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2020), urban livestock systems contribute substantially to the supply of meat, milk, eggs, and other animal products consumed in cities. Beyond food provision, livestock also serves as a source of income, savings, manure, and social security for urban dwellers. In many African cities, livestock production has evolved from a purely subsistence activity into a commercial venture capable of generating substantial economic returns.
In Nigeria, the rapid growth of urban populations, coupled with persistent unemployment and rising food prices, has intensified reliance on urban and peri-urban agriculture. Livestock keeping has become increasingly important in urban centres where households seek alternative livelihood opportunities and nutritional support. Urban livestock systems are practiced under varying management systems, including intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive production methods, depending on available resources, land accessibility, and production objectives.
Makurdi Metropolis, the capital of Benue State, represents one of Nigeria’s rapidly growing urban centres where livestock production has become an integral part of urban livelihood systems. Benue State is widely recognized for its agricultural potential and is often referred to as the “Food Basket of the Nation.” Despite this reputation, challenges relating to food insecurity, poverty, inadequate animal protein intake, and unemployment remain prevalent among urban residents. Consequently, many households engage in urban and peri-urban livestock production to supplement income and improve household welfare.
The increasing practice of livestock keeping within urban environments, however, raises concerns relating to environmental sanitation, disease transmission, land use conflicts, waste management, and access to veterinary and extension services. In addition, urban livestock farmers frequently encounter constraints such as inadequate capital, poor market structures, limited access to quality feed, and weak institutional support systems. These challenges can significantly affect productivity and sustainability.
Given the growing significance of urban livestock production in enhancing urban food systems and livelihoods, there is a need for empirical studies that examine the nature, practices, constraints, and opportunities associated with urban and peri-urban livestock keeping in Makurdi Metropolis. Such studies are necessary for informing policy interventions aimed at improving sustainable livestock production and urban food security.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The rapid expansion of urban populations in Nigeria has intensified the demand for food, employment, and social services, particularly in rapidly growing cities such as Makurdi. Despite increased urbanization, economic growth has not sufficiently translated into improved living conditions for many urban households. Consequently, poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity remain persistent challenges among urban residents.
Urban and peri-urban livestock production has emerged as a critical livelihood strategy for many households in response to these socioeconomic challenges. Through the rearing of poultry, goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, and other livestock, urban residents attempt to supplement household income, improve nutritional intake, and create economic opportunities. However, the sustainability and productivity of urban livestock systems are constrained by numerous challenges.
These challenges include inadequate access to finance, disease outbreaks, poor veterinary services, lack of quality feed, environmental pollution, insufficient extension support, poor market access, and limited land availability for livestock production. In addition, weak policy frameworks and inadequate integration of urban agriculture into urban planning processes further complicate the development of sustainable livestock systems in urban centres.
Although several studies have examined urban agriculture in Nigeria, limited empirical attention has been given specifically to urban and peri-urban livestock production in Makurdi Metropolis. Existing studies often focus broadly on crop production or general agricultural activities without adequately addressing livestock production systems, management practices, extension needs, and production constraints within the urban context.
This study therefore seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by critically examining urban and peri-urban livestock keeping practices in Makurdi Metropolis, with the aim of generating data that can support evidence-based agricultural planning, extension service delivery, and urban food security policies.
1.3 Aim of the Study
The aim of this study is to assess urban and peri-urban livestock production systems in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria.
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives of the study are to:
examine the socioeconomic characteristics of urban and peri-urban livestock farmers in Makurdi Metropolis;
identify the major types of livestock reared within the study area;
assess the livestock production systems practiced by urban and peri-urban farmers;
examine the reasons for engaging in livestock production among urban households;
identify the linkages between urban and rural livestock production systems;
determine the major constraints affecting urban and peri-urban livestock production; and
assess the extension service needs of livestock farmers in the study area.
1.5 Research Questions
The study seeks to provide answers to the following research questions:
What are the socioeconomic characteristics of urban and peri-urban livestock farmers in Makurdi Metropolis?
Which livestock species are predominantly reared in the study area?
What production systems are commonly practiced by livestock farmers?
What motivates urban residents to engage in livestock keeping?
What forms of interaction exist between urban and rural livestock production systems?
What are the major challenges affecting urban livestock production?
What extension services are required by urban and peri-urban livestock farmers?
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is significant because it contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable urban agriculture and food systems in Nigeria. The findings will provide useful information for policymakers, agricultural extension agencies, urban planners, researchers, and development organizations concerned with food security and urban livelihood improvement.
The study will help agricultural development agencies understand the challenges facing urban livestock farmers and develop strategies for improving productivity through effective extension services, veterinary support, and credit accessibility. It will also assist urban planners in integrating agricultural activities into urban development policies to minimize environmental and public health concerns associated with livestock keeping.
Furthermore, the study will benefit livestock farmers by identifying practical strategies for improving livestock management, disease prevention, and market access. Academically, the research will serve as a reference material for future studies on urban agriculture, livestock systems, and sustainable food production in developing countries.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study focuses on urban and peri-urban livestock production within Makurdi Metropolis in Benue State, Nigeria. It specifically examines livestock production systems, socioeconomic characteristics of farmers, reasons for livestock keeping, production constraints, extension service needs, and the interaction between rural and urban livestock production systems.
The study covers selected council wards within Makurdi Metropolis and considers major livestock enterprises such as poultry, cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs. The research is limited to livestock production activities carried out within urban and peri-urban environments and does not extensively examine crop farming activities.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Agricultural activities, including crop cultivation and livestock production, carried out within urban settlements for subsistence or commercial purposes.
Agricultural practices conducted on the outskirts of urban centres where rural and urban activities interact.
The rearing and management of domesticated animals such as poultry, cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs for economic, nutritional, or social purposes.
A livestock management system in which animals are confined and provided with feed, water, and healthcare under controlled conditions.
A production system combining confinement with limited grazing or scavenging activities.
A traditional livestock management practice where animals roam freely and depend largely on natural grazing resources.
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