By Franca Ofili
A Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) during two–day capacity building training for Nigerians said that rabbit farming was a viable pathway to wealth creation
Mrs Lois Auta, FCT State Chairperson of the All Rabbit Breeders Development Forum (ARBADEF) an NGO in Abuja emphasised the growing opportunities in rabbit farming to create wealth for individuals and communities.
Auta said that the training would help address food security, and empowerment for young people and families.
According to her, the theme of the training is “Silent Wealth: Why Smart Nigerians Are Turning to Rabbit”’.
She said that beyond the lectures, the training also provided a beautiful platform for participants to connect, exchange ideas, and build stronger collaborations within the rabbit breeding community.
According to her, the participants are being well-equipped to maximise opportunities in the rabbit value chain.
”The beauty of the day was evident in the impressive turnout, the depth of discussions, and the excitement among participants who expressed satisfaction with the knowledge gained,” she said.
According to her, by adopting modern farming practices and leveraging market opportunities, rabbit farmers can generate significant income and improve their livelihoods.
She said that the efforts aimed to empower people, especially in rural areas, to take control of their economic futures and build sustainable livelihoods.
One of the trainers, Mr Ismail Yekini, Agribusiness Expert, said he was a rabbit farmer in Niger States.
According to him, he has more than, 1,500 rabbits with the hope to breed more than 2,000 to 3,000 rabbits before the end of the year.
”The essence of the training is to train youth, women and retirees to help bridge the gap in unemployment, food insecurity and also to help people create income.
“At the end of this training, we expect every participant to be able to manage their rabbit farm and also make a good income out of it.
”A sustainable income out of rabbit farming, unlike any other farming,”Yekini said.
Also, Mr Abdulrauf Olamilekan, Rabbits Breeding and Nutrition Specialists, said that the main objective of this training was to equip interested and upcoming rabbit farmers with the necessary and essential knowledge which they needed in starting their rabbit farming business
”By the end of this training, each participant is expected to understand the key pillars to successful rabbit farming and their guarantee that with the knowledge shared and with our personal experience.
”Each participant will have the right knowledge and will gain posthumous permission as far as rabbit farming is concerned in Nigeria.
”Presently at Body Breach Farm, we have a capacity of 200 rabbits,” he said.
A participant, Mr Sego Agidion, said that the training was an eye-opening opportunity because it’s a silent, wealth-making business. Rabbit is a very good animal.
According to him, one can start wearing rabbits with a little capital.
”Just with 20,000 naira, one can start off with two rabbits in a cage. My expectation after this training is to start a rabbit business.
”I am so excited with this knowledge and hope to start up soon,” he said.
NAN