Developing the Livestock Emergency Management Guidelines and Standards for Emergency Recovery in Nigeria

The importance of government-led coordinated efforts in livestock disaster management and the livestock emergency response to safeguard livelihoods and food security brought up the development of Livestock Emergency Management Guidelines and Standards (LEGS) in Nigeria. This study examined the application of LEGS and investigated the effectiveness of current Livestock Emergency Practices in Northern Nigeria. The study also compared livestock emergency practices in Nigeria with those in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, highlighting existing gaps. Despite the sector's potential, challenges persist, thus effective emergency practices are needed because this plays a fundamental role in the country's agricultural development. This study emphasised the importance of LEGS and other livestock emergency practices in safeguarding livestock, reducing mortality rates during crises, and bridging gaps in livestock emergency management. This research used qualitative research by obtaining data through open-ended questions which informed the interpretation of the findings using a thematic analysis. It was gathered during the interview session with the respondents that “Sharing of information helps to see what other livestock farmers have done well and imitate them, it helps to ensure that what works for some livestock farmers to recover from the impact crises are replicated by other livestock farmers to see how effective the solution is”. Another respondent stated that “Improving the awareness of the people on the need for livestock emergency management” would be effective. The development and implementation of LEGS in Nigeria can lead to better crisis response and recovery, enhance livestock welfare, and ensure the well-being of livestock producers.