INTRODUCTION: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF PASTORAL AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This short exposition attempts to provide a general overview of what could be considered the major concerns of animal agriculture in Nigeria as a background to the diverse and penetrating issues raised by the various contributors. Like the West and Central African sub¬ region, the country is blessed with abundant renewable natural resources. The drier part of the country between 7°-14"N (see Map 1) is best suited for ruminant production of different livestock breeds and species. Il has a variety of vegetation stretching from the Sahel in the extreme northeast (Yobe and Borno States) to derived savanna in the southern tip of Taraba, Kogi, and Kwara States. The mean annual rainfall varies greatly according to the vegetational distribution between ca. 200mm and 1500mm.