The predominant dual purpose (meat and milk) cattle breed found in state are Sokoto ‘Gudali’ (Bokoloji) and white Fulani (Bunaji). Other species such as Red Bororo (Rahaji) ‘Yakanaji’ and ‘Azawak’ (Buzu) are mainly for beef production. A number of dual purpose crossbreeds can also be found.

The 'Balami' and 'Uda' breeds of sheep are the genes with most potential found in the state. Other species such as 'Yankassa' and 'Buza also exists.

Goat breeds found in the state are Sokoto Red Goats; Sahelian or West African Longed Legged goats, and West African dwarf goats.

Poultry such chicken, guinea foul, turkey and ducks are indigenous to Sokoto State.

The simple humped camel breed is found in the state.

Climate

Sokoto State has a tropical continental climate dominated by two opposing air masses: the tropical maritime from the south and tropical continental from the north. The tropical maritime brings moisture and rainfall, while the tropical continental brings cold and dust. Annual rainfall is about 550 mm with a high peak in August. The dry season is from October to March and the period from April to the end of May is extremely hot with temperatures aaround 38 degrees with humidity less than 20%.

The whole state falls within the Sudan Savanna belt of the great Hausa plain of Northern Nigeria. It is characterised by thorny tree species with deep tap root systems; broad or umbrella like branches and ticks barks. Most trees shed their leaves during the dry season. Plants have adapted to what many would call a harsh environment. Open grass land has maintained a large number of animals.

Sokoto State is drained by the Sokoto and Rima Rivers and their tributaries, most of which rise from the southeast.These rivers form one of the most extensive fadama areas - a very rich alluvial soil - in Nigeria with great potential for farming and animal rearing.

Government intervention

With a view of further commercialising livestock production a new Ministry of Forestry and Animal Health has been created with the following objectives:

1. Ensuring food security through efficient domestic food production in Sokoto State i.e. (milk, beef, mutton, poultry meat, butter and eggs)

2. Provision of bio-security and ensure these commodities in commercial quantity so that excesses could be exported to earn foreign exchange.

3. Improvement of micro-economic environment to enhance co-operation between government and the private sector

Investment potential

1. Dairy industry

Commercial dairy farming is gaining ground in Sokoto State. Currently Sidi and Tori farms are the major commercial dairy farms involved in fresh milk and yoghurt production. Small scale dairy farms, with up to 20 cows, are also increasing. The state government Artificial Insemination Programme, with a target of inseminating 30 000 cows annually, will further stimulate the dairy industry. Because of the small scale farmers' inability to meet demand for dairy products, opportunities abound for private investors looking to get involved in the sector.

2. Beef industry

Sokoto State is well-known for cereal beef production. Similarly commercial grass stubble beef production is well established in all the 23 local government areas of the state, particularly in the Bodinga and Silame LGA’s. Currently beef production has an annual capacity of 500 000 tonnes, leaving much scope for investors, especially for investment in modern ranching systems with abattoirs and meat factories.

3. Leather Industry

Hides and skins are found in abundance in Sokoto State, especially the famous Moroccan leather, seen as the one of the best in the world. Leather from Sokoto State is predominantly for the production of shoes, carpets, pillow cases, bags, etc. Small scale tanneries and leather works do exist but these cannot nearly meet the demand for leather.

4. Ceramic Industry

Many investment opportunities exist in the processing of byproducts such as horns, hooves, bones, hair and feathers. These materials can be used for the production of buttons, ceramic works, surgical materials and bone meal. Blood can also be used for the production of concentrates for livestock and poultry feeds.

5. Poultry Industry

Poultry production is gaining ground in the state and more poultry farms are getting involved in commercial broiler and egg production. Many investment opportunities exist in broiler and layers chickens.

6. Feed Mill

Despite the large number of livestock and poultry in Sokoto State, there is no commercial feed mill. Investors may therefore seize the opportunity to invest in this area.

7. Manure

Manure is organic matter that can be used as organic fertiliser in agriculture. Manure contributes to the fertility of the soil by adding organic matter and nutrients, such as nitrogen that is trapped by bacteria in the soil. Investors can invest in the production of manure into fertiliser or biogas.

Investors interested in any of the above opportunities should contact:

Sokoto State Investment Promotion Committee
Contact: Dr Buhari Bello Kware
Email: invest.showcase.comm.sokoto@live.com