Title: Leveraging Ethnoveterinary Knowledge And Materials Improvisation For Youth Innovation And Entrepreneurship In Nigeria's Livestock Sector
Authors: Azeez Abdullahi Akinwale
Volume: 10
Issue: 9
Pages: 77-80
Publication Date: 2026/09/28
Abstract:
Integration and promotion of ethnoveterinary and improvisation in animal rearing with attention to the use of locally available resources and knowledge do not only reduce costs of production but also improve the remedy to animal health care in rural communities and among the less privileged and low-income individuals. This practice is essential for empowering smallholder entrepreneurs and thus improving animal rearing and ease of production. Livestock entrepreneurs who are start-ups often face challenges in accessing veterinary services and materials needed for production due to their affordability and sometimes due to distance. Benefits of ethnoveterinary practices and improvisation include use of cost-effective resources that are easily accessible in rural areas thus reducing dependence on external inputs thus improving animal health, increasing food security and providing support for local economies. Embracing ethnoveterinary and improvisation can develop more sustainable, resilient and productive livestock production. However this approach comes with a few challenges which include; lack of scientific validation, variability in practice, lack of standardization, dependence on individual practice and inability to integrate indigenous technology with modern veterinary and technological practices. It is hereby recommended that these practices could be improved upon by adopting documentation and validation, capacity-building and training programs, policy support and national task force, research and development, as well as integration with modern way of livestock production.