ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION AND SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD IN NIGERIA- THE UNTAPPED POTENTIALS OF ANIMAL PRODUCTS PROCESSING

Abstract

The present nature of Nigeria's economy calls for a more satisfactory and accomplished discussion of economic diversification and sustainability of livelihood. One of the ways to achieve a successful and sustainable livelihood and development in our nation Nigeria is through exploiting the untapped potentials of animal products processing. In line with this need is the call for youth empowerment through the numerous value chains in the agricultural sector, particularly in livestock production, the government and non-governmental organizations must assist in the process of maximising the potentials of the sector. Potential areas of interest that are yet to be fully exploited in the value chain of livestock industry include the dairy industry such as milk, butter, yoghurt, ice cream, cheese production, the meat industry, hides and skin industry and lastly hitech animal products processing. It is therefore  ecommended that government create more awareness/sensitization programmes, reforms and policies on the above mentioned areas of livestock industry which are yet untapped and has the capacity of improving sustainable livelihood of Nigerians.