May 16, 2014
Nigeria's minister expects rising beef consumption at 1.3 million tonnes by 2050
Nigeria's minister of agriculture and rural development, Akinwumi Adesina, has projected rising beef consumption in the country from 360,000 tonnes to 1.3 million tonnes by 2050.
During an induction ceremony of individuals into the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, Adesina also stressed the need for proper operations of the country's livestock system in order to meet the increasing demand for beef.
"The total amount of beef we eat is about 360,000 tonnes a year; we expect that to increase to 1.3 million tonnes by 2050. We need to invest in animal genetics and artificial insemination, and modernise our abattoirs in the country.''
At the same event, former Ghanaian President, John Kufuor, noted that 60% of arable land in Africa remains uncultivated. He predicted that the African population would double by 2050 and called for increased food production.
