A Whole Country Rejects fast Foods

McDonald's happy image and its golden arches aren't the gateway to bliss in Bolivia. This South American country isn't falling for the barrage of advertising and fast food cooking methods that so easily engulf countries like the United States. Bolivians simply don't trust food prepared in such little time. The quick and easy, mass production method of fast food actually turns Bolivians off altogether. Sixty percent of Bolivians are an indigenous population who generally don't find it worth their health or money to step foot in a McDonald's.

Despite its economically friendly fast food prices, McDonald's couldn't coax enough of the indigenous population of Bolivia to eat their BigMacs, McNuggets or McRibs.

One indigenous woman, Esther Choque, waiting for a bus to arrive outside a McDonald's restaurant, said, "The closest I ever came was one day when a rain shower fell and I climbed the steps to keep dry by the door. Then they came out and shooed me away. They said I was dirtying the place. Why would I care if McDonald's leaves [Bolivia]?"

The eight remaining McDonald's fast food shops that stuck it out in the Bolivian city's of La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz de la Sierra, had reportedly operated on losses every year for a decade. The McDonald's franchise had been persistent over that time, flexing its franchise's deep pockets to continue business in Bolivia

After 14 years of presence in the country, their extensive network couldn't hold up the Bolivian chain. Store after store shut down as Bolivia rejected the McDonald's fast food agenda. Soon enough, they kissed the last McDonald's goodbye

Goodbye from Bolivia...

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Groundnuts Can Cure Haemophilia

Groundnuts, also known as peanuts, are considered a very healthy snack. Groundnut is the member of the legume family and is native to regions like South America, Mexico and Central America. However, it is successfully grown in other parts of the world as well. 

 

The name of the plant combines the morpheme, ‘pea’ and ‘nut’. In the culinary sense, it is regarded as a nut, but in the botanical sense, the fruit of the plant is a woody legume. Since that is the case, the groundnut is actually a kind of pea. The groundnut is also known by different names like earthnuts, goobers, goober peas, pindas, jack nuts, pinders, manila nuts and monkey nuts. Throughout the world, they are known for their nutrition and health benefits. Peanuts or groundnuts are among the most common oil-seeds, since time immemorial. The nuts are rich with significant, beneficial nutrients that are essential for optimum health. People consume groundnuts in various ways such roasted, boiled, raw and also use them as a base for gravies. Read on for information on the nutritional value and benefits of groundnuts.

Nutritional Value of Groundnut

 

Nutrients	Content per 100g
Energy	567 Kcal
Carbohydrates	16.13 g
Protein	25.80 g
Total Fat	49.24 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Dietary Fiber	8.5 g
Vitamins
Folates	240 µg
Niacin	12.066 mg
Pantothenic acid	1.767 mg
Pyridoxine	0.348 mg
Riboflavin	0.135 mg
Thiamin	0.640 mg
Vitamin A	0 IU
Vitamin C	0
Vitamin E	8.33 mg
Electrolytes
Sodium	18 mg
Potassium	705 mg
Minerals
Calcium	92 mg
Copper	1.144 mg
Iron	4.58 mg
Magnesium	168 mg
Manganese	1.934 mg
Phosphorus	76 mg
Selenium	7.2 µg
Zinc	3.27 mg
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-ß	0 µg
Crypto-xanthin-ß	0 µg
Lutein-zeaxanthin	0 µg

 

 

Health Benefits Of Eating Groundnuts

• Groundnuts and groundnut products are very beneficial in the treatment of hemophilia and other such inherited blood disorders. People suffering from nose bleeding also benefit from eating groundnuts and it is also helpful in reducing excessive menstruation bleeding in women.
• Five main nutrients required by the body to maintain and repair the tissues namely, energy, protein, phosphorous, thiamin and niacin are found in good quantity in groundnuts.
• Groundnuts are rich vitamins and contain at least 13 different types of vitamins that include Vitamin A, B, C and E. along with this, groundnuts are also rich in 26 essential minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, boron, etc. These help in brain function and development and also help to maintain strong bones.
• It is recommended that growing children, expecting women and nursing mothers consume roasted groundnuts with jaggery and goat’s milk. It is said to provide resistance and immunity against dangerous infections like hepatitis and tuberculosis.
• Groundnuts are rich in anti-oxidants and a chemical called resveratrol. These help in reducing the risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases, cancer risk and also help in anti-ageing, thus, keeping the body young and fit.
• They are composed of adequate levels of mono-unsaturated fatty acids especially oleic acid which helps to lower the LDL or "bad cholesterol" and increases HDL or "good cholesterol” level in the blood. This in return prevents coronary artery disease and strokes by taking care of the healthy blood lipid profile.
• Groundnuts contain amino acids and are a good source of dietary protein, which is essential for growth and development.
• Peanuts have high content of poly-phenolic antioxidants, primarily p-coumaric acid which reduces the risk of stomach cancer by preventing the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines in the stomach.
• Boiling the peanuts for consumption is known to enhance the antioxidant concentration, such as biochanin-A and genistein.
• Groundnuts are packed with B-complex groups of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates, which contribute towards brain health and stimulate blood flow to the brain.
• It is said that a handful of groundnuts per day, offers enough levels of phenolic anti-oxidants, minerals, vitamins, and protein recommended by doctors.
• Peanuts contain dietary fiber which enhances digestion.

 

Buying & Storing Tips

• Groundnuts are easily available in supermarkets. Also, in many places they are available in stalls on roadsides.
• Peanuts can be bought according to your requirement, such as raw, roasted, boiled, roasted and salted, etc.
• Raw peanuts can be stored in air-tight containers for up to one week. In the same manner boiled peanuts can also be stored in air-tight vessels for about a week. If you want to store them for a month or so, place the air-tight container in the freezer.
• Whole or shelled raw peanuts can stay in the refrigerator for 2-3 months. But if you freeze them, they can stay up to six months.

 

Cooking Tips

• To enjoy the crunchiness of peanuts, roast them with some salt. This is one of the most common ways of enjoying peanuts.
• Boiled peanuts are considered healthy as well as tasty. To relish the peanuts add some salt while boiling them. Though their shelf-life is short in comparison to roasted peanuts, the health benefits are a lot more.
• You can add them as ingredients to cookies/chocolates and have them.
• Another very popular peanut recipe is the peanut butter spread. You can spread peanut butter on slices of bread or use them in cookie dough. Peanut butter is a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.

Surplus Food In Imo State

In the South-east, like Imo State, the people are predominantly farmers. The pattern of agricultural production in the state vary from one area to the other as areas like Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, Oru West, Oru East and Owerri local government areas among others that are oil producing areas, have different pattern of agricultural production compared to non oil producing areas of the state like Okigwe for topographical reasons.

Generally, 2013 wet season harvest has been very good in the state especially the high yield recorded on the three major crops that are commonly produced in the state which include cassava, yam and plantain. Evidence of good harvest could be seen in the large quantities of these crops in the market. A visit to all the markets in the state will certainly prove that there is abundant food and cash crops in the state. At Eke Umuagwo and Afor Umuapu markets in Ohaji/Egbema local government areas of the state visited by this reporter, there were different types of crops produced by farmers in the area.

A plantain farmer in Ilile Community in Ohaji/Egbema local government area, Mr. Monday Nwosu, said he has been in the business of farming and marketing crops and had noticed that there is high yield this year.

Mrs Roseline Eke, a cassava farmer, said cassava has become a major source of income and on each market day, she uproots cassava from her farm and takes to the market for sale. At the Orie Ogbaku market in Mbaitoli local government area, lots of people go to the market to buy and sell farm produce such as garri, cassava, yam, vegetables, waterleaves, plantain, banana, pineapple among others.

A yam farmer, Obi Udoka, said there are different categories of yam in the market which include yams from the north, Abakaliki and those from other parts of the state, adding, “A lot of buyers come from within and outside the state to patronize us.”
Mrs. Florence Nwaka expressed happiness over the good harvest recorded in the state, saying she has succeeded in having large quantities of cassava and yams from her farm

Banks Agree On Farmers Loan Extension - Agric Minister

The Minister of Agriculture, Akinwumi Adesina as well as the
Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Chief
Executives of commercial banks in Nigeria have agreed to
expand the loan tenor to farmers from six to twelve months as
part of the resolve of the emerging generation of leaders to
uplift the country.

According to the Minister who hinted at a breakfast meeting
organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development in Abuja recently, the venture will ensure
increase in food production in 2014; reduce inflation and
enable banks to reconcile the modalities for seed to fertilizer
supply chains and loans transacted during the dry season to
wet season farming.

"One of the pillars of the decisions reached sought to convey
the Federal Government's appreciation for the contributions of
the banks to the evolving agricultural revolution in the
country. The meeting also discussed and resolved some
challenges mostly bureaucratic in the loan repayment
processes," he said.

Akinwumi Adesina explained that the total amount lent to
farmers in 2013 was N20 billion as against N3.5 billion in the
preceding year; adding that the increase expresses confidence
in the farmers resulting from the institutional structures which
were created in the form of value chains. The institutional
structures, he added have done so much to create and sustain
confidence in the value chains as the Ministry is poised to
reduce the risk of lending by banks to the agric sector.

He identified the banks which have greatly supported the
Agric sector to include: Access Bank, Diamond Bank,
Enterprise Bank, First City Monument Bank, Jaiz Bank, First
Bank of Nigeria, MainStreet Bank, Sterling Bank, United Bank
for Africa, Unity Bank, Wema Bank, Zenith Bank, Union Bank
and the Bank of Agriculture.

"The registration of farmers which started in year 2012 has in
2013 reached 4.2 million farmers directly through the
electronic wallet scheme. This means that about 20 million
people have been impacted upon by the GES programme of the
Federal Government," he noted.
The Minister attributed the decline in

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Recipe: Skin Beauty Salad

Ingredients 

• 2 handfuls of young arugula (rocket)
• 2 handfuls of baby spinach
• 1 carrot, grated or shredded
• 2 radishes, sliced paper thin with a mandolin
• 2 small cucumbers, sliced in half lengthways
• 1 small red onion, sliced super thin with a mandolin
• 3 limes, juiced
• 1 hass avocado
• 1 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
• 1 pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp raw honey
• 1 handful of fresh soft herbs (works best with dill, coriander or basil leaves)
• ¼ tsp unrefined sea salt 

Tools You'll Need
A Mandolin or sharp knife


Method

1. Put the sliced onion in a small bowl with the lime juice to soak for at least 10 minutes. If you do this ahead of time, leaving it to soak for an hour or more creates an even softer, sweeter, pinker result
2. Scoop the seeds out of the cucumbers with a teaspoon and throw the seeds into your blender; chop the cucumbers
3. In a large bowl, arrange the leaves, cucumber, carrot and radish.  Take the onion out of the lime juice and add this to the salad too
4. Add to the blender the left-over lime juice, avocado, vinegar, cayenne, honey, herbs and salt.  Blend until smooth; you may need to add a dash of water to facilitate blending.  Adjust seasoning to taste
5. Dollop dressing generously on your salad, mix through before eating


Special Note: 
Onions and arugula (rocket) are high in sulfur, a beautifying mineral which cleanses the liver and skin. Additionally radishes and cucumber are high in silica, which is necessary for the strengthening and moisturizing of hair, skin and nails.

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Side Effects of Bananas

Known as the “fruit of wisdom”, banana is one of the most popular fruits in the world. However, eating bananas may have some side effects when consuming them with some specific food. Bananas is a common tropical fruit which is cheap, sweet and delicious. The starch-like flesh contained in bananas are very helpful to moisten the intestine and improve bowel movement. You should avoid eating bananas with some kinds of food which may weaken your health.
 
1. Taro, sweet potato, sweet potato should not be consumed with bananas because a combination of them may easily stomach pain and abdominal swelling.

2. Bananas and yogurt are not interfere with each other in the sense of nutrition. On the contrary, the nutrients in them can complement with each other which will bring great benefits for human body. Most yogurts do not contain dietary fiber and vitamin c while bananas do not contain vitamin A, D and protein and the content of vitamin B2 is extremely low as well. However, these nutrients are very rich in milk products. However, for some people who suffered from diarrhea of spleen disorders, the refrigerated yogurt coupled with the “laxation” food bananas which can assist the promotion of intestinal peristalsis may easily cause abdominal pain and diarrhea problems.

3. Bananas should not be taken with potatoes because it may cause some facial spots. A combination of them may result in some chemical reactions which will produce toxins and causing brown spots on the face. However, if the period of consumption of them can be separated to more than 15 minutes, the risks of growing spots can be lowered.

4. Bananas should not be taken with melons. This is because that in melon the sugar content can be as high as about 15% and it is also rich in potassium. Banana is also rich in potassium, and the content of potassium can reach 283~472mg per 100g. Therefore, patients with kidney failure should not be take food containing high amounts of potassium such as bananas and melons to avoid a worse outcome.

5. Bananas should not be eaten when the stomach is empty. Bananas have lots of magnesium which is a type of sensitive element that will affect the functionality of heart, and it will produce an inhibitory effect on cardiovascular systems. When the stomach is empty, eating bananas will result in a sharp rise of magnesium content in the body which will disrupt the balance of magnesium and calcium in the blood, resulting in an inhibitory effect on cardiovascular system.

6. Raw bananas will aggravate the symptoms of constipation. Raw bananas contain a high amount of tannic acid which has a convergence effect on digestive tract, inhibits gastrointestinal fluid secretion and inhibits gastrointestinal motility as well.

Cancer from Maize and Groundnut: Aflatoxins Awareness

Nigeria’s food and drug regulator, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) organized an awareness workshop for the country’s southeastern region on the 13th of November 2013.
The Director General of NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii, said the aims of the campaign were to educate consumers, farmers, and the industrial sector on the risks and harmful effects of aflatoxins in food and feeds as well as their control/reduction strategies.
Dr Orhii, who was represented by Mrs Stella Denloye, NAFDAC’s Director of Laboratory Services, said, “The clear objectives are to highlight the extent of aflatoxin contamination of Nigeria’s staple foods and export commodities … the negative economic impact on trade and foreign exchange earnings … and to draw attention to mitigation strategies.”
Produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus, aflatoxins are naturally occurring fungal toxins abundant in the soil that contaminate food products such as maize, groundnut, as well as other crops. They are carcinogenic to man and cause immune-suppression, cancer, and growth reduction in animals. In some cases, consumption of high levels of aflatoxins has resulted in deaths of animals and human beings. In Kenya, for instance, consumption of maize contaminated with aflatoxins resulted in about 200 deaths between 2004 and 2006.
“Studies in Nigeria also show high levels of aflatoxin contamination in maize and groundnut”, say Drs Ranajit Bandyopadhyay, IITA scientist and team leader for the Africa-wide initiative for the control of aflatoxin; and Joseph Atehnkeng, Project Coordinator for Aflatoxin Control in West Africa.
“And people are consuming these toxins in ignorance, compromising their health,” they added.
To mitigate the spread and contamination of grains by these lethal fungal toxins, IITA and partners developed a biocontrol product—aflasafeTM—that has proven effective in controlling aflatoxins. Studies show that the application of aflasafeTM in farmers’ field reduced aflatoxin contamination by more than 90 percent, and birds fed with aflasafeTM-treated maize recorded less mortality and had a higher feed conversion ratio.
Adebowale Akande, AgResults Aflasafe Pilot Manager, said the flag off aimed to introduce aflasafeTM to farmers in the southeastern part of the country so that they could adopt, and use the product on their farms for both health benefits and higher incomes. “The more people are aware of mitigation options, the better equipped they will be to handle and manage the situation,” Akande added.
The workshop in Enugu is the third in the series, coming after similar ones in Abuja and Ibadan for the north central and south western regions of Nigeria, respectively. It builds on ongoing initiatives such as the Commercial Agricultural Development Program (CADP).
The awareness/sensitization workshops are supported by Australia/AUSAID, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Canada/Finance Canada, the United Kingdom/DFID, and the United States/USAID through Deloitte Consulting LLC on behalf of the World Bank under the AgResults Initiative.

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Governor of Oyo State Commissions IITA Facilities

The Governor of Oyo State, in Nigeria, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on Tuesday commissioned the Clinic, Wellness Center and Crèche at the headquarters of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan while underscoring the importance of such facilities in promoting and ensuring the health and well-being of the institute’s staff, in particular, and Nigerians, in general.

Putting the commissioning in a larger perspective, Governor Ajimobi cited striking figures that highlighted the need and benefits of such facilities for an agricultural research center, and the nexus between healthy lifestyle and productivity. He said that, for example, the incidence of diabetes is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, with related health costs estimated at US$ 67.03 billion, or US$8836 for every diabetic patient.

“I congratulate and commend the IITA Women's Group and the Management of IITA for paying attention to the health and welfare of its staff. The Health and Wellness Center could help us in reducing the costs associated with modern-day illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. The Crèche, on the other hand, will help ensure that children of staff are well-taken cared of while their parent or parents are working.”

“These efforts are indeed heartening as these facilities will promote and enhance the physical, mental, and social quality of life of staff,” the governor emphasized.

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IITA Crops - Banana and Plantain

Banana & plantain (Musa acuminata and balbisiana hybrids)

Banana and plantain are an essential source of carbohydrates and minerals and a major cash crop for many smallholder farmers in East, Central, and West Africa. Fruit is produced all year round in varied environments, but pests and diseases reduce yields and post harvest losses reduce availability.

Banana and Plantain plantation is a huge investment.

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Agriculture Graduates Are Needed

The food industry needs a revolution to feed a growing population, and new generations of graduates are required.

Agricultural evolution first occurred 10,000 years ago when plants were selected and grown as crops, and animals were domesticated. Further revolution of our food industry – from mechanisation in the early 18th century right through to genetic selection today – has been driven by technological innovation and the dissemination of knowledge.

Yet another revolution will be required to increase by 70% in the next 40 years to feed a growing world population. It will have to do so with the same agricultural footprint, and without depleting our natural resources or destroying our environment.
e the growth, disease control and precision engineering necessary in our future food industry. Food production will have to

It will be a revolution of discovery, and it will require collaboration between all the elements of a food industry – which has itself evolved through searingly competitive practice. Universities, research institutes and industry will need to harness their combined intellect to make the substantive advances necessary to keep feeding our people.

New generations of graduates should leave university with the intellectual capacity to use technology in imaginative, productive and profitable ways. They should have the flexibility to embrace the unknown.

Why wait? Apply for an agro-based degree today!

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Small-Scale Farming Can Save Us

Supporting smallholder irrigation through finance and technical assistance could significantly improve productivity and incomes.

The recent discovery of a large aquifer in Kenya is a reminder that far from being dry, Africa has abundant water resources. The problem for farmers is access: only around 6% of cultivated land is equipped for irrigation, leaving millions dependent on rain-fed agriculture. How might more of them be helped to access water that could raise their productivity?

Large-scale, government-funded irrigation systems have long attempted to address this, with varying degrees of success. Those systems have a place, but research by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has found that many smallholders are themselves taking the lead and investing in their own low-cost, small-scale irrigation systems.

  "Small-scale agricultural water management dominates the landscape in south Asia but it's really becoming quite a feature also in sub-Saharan Africa now,"

You can start from your backyard...

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Gov Obi Shares N70m to Farmers

The Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, distributed cheques worth 70 million Naira (about 449,000 dollars) to 153 Fadama users groups in 77 Fadama Community Associations in the state.

Speaking at an event which held at the ADP complex in Awka, the governor said that the donation was to reiterate the commitment of his administration to supporting farmers in the state towards achieving sustainable food production in order to reduce hunger and poverty in the state.
He said that his administration would ensure that the agricultural sector was totally transformed, as food was basic for continued sustenance of life.

Wouldn't you join the farmers?

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You Wish to Travel-Out?: Easy for Farmers!

If you are interested in alternative ways of living and want to meet interesting people then wwoofing or hosting is for you.

You can easily travel as a volunteer or welcome travellers as a host. Make the right choice today and change your environment and life style.

As a farmer, you have got the edge. Fina details at
www.wwoof.net

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Top 15 Livestock Farming Ideas

1. Cattle farming

Cattle farming is a business that appeals to people who
the needed vacant land and resources to make it work.
Now as long as milk, meat, leather products, etc are in
demand, cattle will remain a profitable business. For
those who are interested in this cattle business, it is
important you know that there are several avenues to
make money from this business. You can either choose
to breed bulls or cattle for their beef or go into full
scale diary farming (milk products). In fact, you can
also make money by selling their dungs to organic
fertilizer production companies.

2. Goat farming

Goat farming is no longer a new business. Rearing goat
is a very lucrative and profitable business because
goats have a low mortality rate as they are resistant to
diseases, weather, and they are omnivorous.

3. Sheep farming

Sheep breeding business can be very lucrative and a
profitable venture more especially if you raise a good
number of them. However, for an entrepreneur to
succeed in such a venture, patience is required as well
as understanding the cycles of your business.

4. Poultry farming

Poultry farming is a viable business anytime any day
and the good thing about poultry is that its demand is
rising; since people are now reducing their intake of
red meat due to health issues. There are several
aspects of poultry you can venture into such Chicken
farming, Turkey, Guinea fowl, Quail, etc.

5. Pet Birds Farming

Another livestock farming business you can consider is
pet birds farming. In this case, you will be breeding
birds for pet purposes and other domestic use, not for
consumption. Example of pet birds include Parrot,
Doves, Pigeons, Peafowls ( Peacocks and Peahens ), etc.

6. Fish farming

Fish farming can be divided into two basic categories;
which are fresh water fish farming and salt . The
demand for fish can never be met and about 70% of
fishes consumed in Nigeria are still being imported;
thus making fish farming a profitable venture.

7. Snail Farming

Another lucrative livestock farming business you can
venture into is snail farming. As the migration from
red meat consumption to white meat increases, the
demand for snail will increase as well because snail is
a good source of protein. With just a little capital and
small garden space, you can kick start this business.

8. Pig Farming

Running a piggery is another profitable venture with
less competition. Most people shy away from rearing
pigs because of religious beliefs and the capital +
labour investment it requires.

9. Worm farming

Worm farming is the easiest way of turning fruit and
vegetable scraps into a great potting soil or soil
amendment for your house plants or garden. In fact,
this is a business that most people are not even aware
of. Do you know that worms have an important role to
play in maintaining soil fertility? Well, know it today
that there is a market for worms. Worm farming is
specifically vital and useful for people who will like to
compost their food scraps but do not have vacant for
backyard compost bin.

10. Grass cutter farming

11. Shrimp farming

12. Lobster farming

13. Crab farming

14. Guinea pig farming

Breeding guinea pig is very lucrative and rewarding
because they are very prolific. First of all, mating them
is very simple. Rearing them is as well easy and at the
end of the day, you will smile as you watch these little
creatures grow and develop. Just ensure that you will
be capable of providing good homes for the babies.

15. Rabbit Farming

Rabbit rearing is a business that requires less space
and the farming can be done anywhere; from a
standard farm, backyard, on terrace or even at home.
The capital investment for this venture is very small
and the profit potential is huge.

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Goat Farming in Nigeria: The Opportunities

Nigeria, with a population of about 165 million is grossly underprovided with essential food component,
protein. For example, data from the FOS, CBN, and FAO
indicates that from cattle, less than 2kg of beef is
available to an average Nigerian per year and just
mere 4kg of eggs per annum is available to each
Nigerian.

In fact, milk production has been nose diving or at best
has remained constant since 1994.This scenario is
compounded more so when the volume of egg supply
is very low, being 10.56g per person per day as
compared with the usual recommendation that an egg
should be consumed by an adult per day. This
recommendation would imply a crate of 30 eggs per
month.

This story also holds for other meat products including,
goat. To ameliorate this problem of low-level of protein
intake, there is the need for concerted effort, among
the various stakeholders to bring about the massive
production of protein based food items at competitive
costs so that they would be affordable to the general
masses. Aside from the other necessary economic
reforms, massive investment goat farming is one way of
resolving the problem.
Goat is a multi functional animal and has a significant
role in the economy and nutrition of landless, small
and marginal farmers in the whole country. Goat
rearing is practiced by a large section of population in
rural areas.

Goats can easily survive in even adverse and harsh
environment in low fertility lands, where no crops can
be grown.

In agricultural societies in Nigeria, goats are kept as a
source of additional income and as an insurance
against disaster. Goats are also used in ceremonial
feastings and for the payment of social dues.
In addition to this, goat has religious and ritualistic
importance in many societies.

The advantages of goat rearing are:
• Goat Farming requires low initial Investment.
• There are less Housing requirements and
Managerial Problems with goats, due to their small
body size and docile nature.
• Goats are very friendly animals and enjoy being
with the people.
• Goats are prolific breeders and achieve sexual
maturity at the age of 10-12 months. Gestation period
in goats is short and at the age of 16-17 months it
starts giving milk. Twinning is very common and
triplets and quadruplets are rare.
• In drought prone areas, risk of goat farming is very
much less as compared to other livestock species.
• Unlike large animals in commercial farm
conditions, both male and female goats have equal
value.
• Goats are ideal for mixed species grazing. The
animal can thrive well on wide variety of thorny
bushes, weeds, crop residues, agricultural by-products
unsuitable for human consumption.
• Under proper management, goats can improve and
maintain grazing land and reduce bush encroachment
(biological control) without causing harm to the
environment.
• No religious taboo against goat slaughter and meat
consumption prevalent in the country.
• Slaughter and dressing operation and meat disposal
can be carried without much environmental problems.
• The goat meat is more lean (low cholesterol) and
relatively good for people who prefer low energy diet
especially in summer and sometimes goat meat
(chevron) is preferred over mutton because of its
"chew ability".
• Goat milk is easy to digest than cow milk because of
small fat globules and is naturally homogenized. Goat
milk is said to play a role in improving appetite and
digestive efficiency. Goat milk is non allergic as
compared to cow milk and it has anti-fungal and anti
bacterial properties and can be used for treating
diseases of fungal origin.
• Goats are 2.5 times more economical than sheep on
free range grazing under semi arid conditions.
• Goat creates employment to the rural poor besides
effectively utilizing unpaid family labor. There is ample
scope for establishing cottage industries based on goat
meat and milk products and value addition to skin and
fiber.
• Goat is termed as walking refrigerator for the
storage of milk and can be milked number of times in a
day.

As is illustrated above, the product of this unit will
enjoy very good market. Hence on the commercial
ground, by taking into account the various aspects of
Animal Husband industry, marketing of these products
will never be a problem for the next several years to
come; moreover, there is a good growing demand for
these products.

The marketable products of goat farming include the
fattened kids, manure, and culled animals. Marketing
avenues for the above products are slaughter houses
and individual meat consuming customers and
agriculture farms. Therefore availability of either
slaughtering facilities or traders who will purchase live
animals should be ensured to convert the fatteners into
wholesome meat and meat products. Further, demand
for manure from nearby agriculture farms must also be
ensured.

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Bird Flu Again?

Bird Flu is an infection caused by avian influenza virus. This occurs naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the virus in their intestine but usually do not get sick from them.

The bird flu is very contagious among bird and can make some domestic birds very sick and death can occur.

Bird flu was first reported in Nigeria in early February 2006 in Sambawa Farms, Kaduna State.

Treat all birds with care. Cook properly before ingestion.

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