Animal scientists move to link farmers to consumers

In line with current moves by stakeholders to end the exploitation of farmers by middlemen, the Animal Science Association of Nigeria, Kwara State chapter, is holding a farmers’ fair.

The fair, which will bring together animal producers, crop producers, animal feed and feedstuff

manufacturers and suppliers, educators, and all individuals involved in the animal product value chain, is scheduled for Wednesday, December 18 to Sunday, December 22, in Queen Elizabeth School Ilorin, Kwara State.

Abiola Salako, one of the organisers of the farmers’ fair, says: “We are mindful of the inability of farmers to sell their products at profitable rate through the interference of middlemen, therefore

pushing most farmers out of farming business. This among other reasons, set us in motion as Animal Science Association of Nigeria, Kwara State chapter to organise a farmers’ fair for the benefits of livestock farmers and all stakeholders along the value chain.”

On the benefits, Salako says: “The planned fair will offer unique opportunity for interaction and dialogue among participants, sponsors and advertisers across diverse sectors and should act as catalyst for opening up new markets, creating new and profitable synergies of ideas, and activities of organisations and individuals.”

The Animal Science Association of Nigeria consists mainly of researchers in the field of animal science who beyond developing researches for farmers and other operators along the value chain want to ensure the end users of the researches are able to stay profitably in business.

By: OLUYINKA ALAWODE