SWOT analysis on the application of biotechnology in livestock improvement in Nigeria

Abstract

The application of modern biotechnology to livestock improvement Programme in Nigeria is still at its infancy compared with crop agriculture. Application of biotechnology in animal agriculture holds promise in Nigeria in terms of improved quantity and quality of livestock and livestock products. The establishment of a national policy on biotechnology by the national government is an incentive to promotion of agricultural biotechnology. However, the level of funding is low in spite of the availability of skilled albeit few researchers. Funds from local and international donors should however be judiciously utilized since mismanagement of funds is one e major treats to successful application of animal biotechnology in Nigeria. There is also the need to re-design animal Science curriculum at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels to include the teaching of biotechnology to improve capacity building. The existing national policy on biotechnology should be geared towards the safe application of biotechnology, poverty alleviation and conservation of biodiversity, and these should be captured in well articulated Strategic plans.