NSUK Professor Maikano Ari Earns Continental Recognition, Leads Nigeria's Voice at African Livestock Summit

A distinguished academic of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), , has earned continental recognition after playing multiple strategic leadership roles at the Third and Final Technical Committee, Steering Committee and Project Close-out Workshop of the Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems (RAFFS) Project held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Professor Ari, who represented Nigeria, the Nigeria Feed and Fodder Multi-Stakeholder Platform (NFFMSP) and NSUK, emerged as one of the leading voices at the high-level continental gathering, where policymakers, scientists, development partners and livestock experts reviewed the achievements of the RAFFS Project and developed a roadmap for the future of Africa's feed and fodder sector.

In recognition of his expertise and contributions to livestock development across Africa, Professor Ari served in three prestigious capacities—as a Technical Panellist, a Selected Speaker and a Project Champion.

As a Technical Panellist, he joined leading African experts in charting strategies to institutionalise feed resource mapping, national feed inventories, feed balance systems and regulated early warning mechanisms to improve livestock resilience and food security across the continent.

Delivering a keynote presentation as a Selected Speaker, Professor Ari made a compelling case for increased investment in Africa's feed and fodder sector, describing it as a critical economic pillar capable of transforming the continent's livestock industry. He called on African governments, development partners and the private sector to prioritise harmonised standards, sustainable financing, digital market systems, youth and women empowerment, and the institutionalisation of Feed and Fodder Deal Rooms across Africa.

His outstanding contributions to promoting resilient feed and fodder systems, strengthening multi-stakeholder partnerships, advancing evidence-based policy reforms and championing sustainable livestock investments earned him recognition as a Project Champion during the workshop.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Feed and Fodder Multi-Stakeholder Platform (NFFMSP), Professor Ari presented Nigeria's position on transitioning the RAFFS Project from a donor-funded initiative into a sustainable continental programme. He advocated the institutionalisation of Multi-Stakeholder Platforms, harmonisation of African feed and fodder standards, strengthening of national feed data systems, establishment of a continental feed and fodder early warning mechanism, expansion of investment opportunities and deeper implementation of feed initiatives at state and community levels.

The workshop marked the successful conclusion of the RAFFS Project while laying the foundation for a long-term continental strategy to strengthen livestock productivity, resilience and food security across Africa

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Professor Ari expressed delight that many of the recommendations championed by Nigeria were adopted in the workshop's final communiqué, including the institutionalisation of Multi-Stakeholder Platforms, operationalisation of national feed data systems, harmonisation of standards, expansion of investment mechanisms and the establishment of a continental feed and fodder early warning system.

He described the outcome as a significant milestone for Nigeria and an attestation to the country's growing influence in shaping continental agricultural and livestock policies.

Professor Ari also commended the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development led by, Permanent Secretary, and the RAFFS Project team for their commitment to advancing sustainable livestock development across Africa.

The continental recognition further reinforces Professor Maikano Mohammed Ari's growing reputation as one of Africa's leading advocates for sustainable feed and fodder systems and highlights Nasarawa State University, Keffi's expanding contribution to agricultural innovation, research and policy development on the continent.