Urban Population Growth and Per Capita Income's Effect on Nigerian Ruminant Livestock Production System

The study broadly explored the relationship between urban population growth and ruminant livestock production systems in Nigeria. It utilized aggregate time series data from World Development Indicators and FAOSTAT over a period of 53 years. Data collected were analysed with descriptive methods and Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) method. The three FMOLS models used were cointegrated. Growths in urban population, temperature change, per capita income in relationship with historical outputs of meat from cattle, sheep and goat were on the ascent right from 1961 to 2013. A major descent was observed in 1986 when the Structural Adjustment Programme was embarked upon in Nigeria. It was found that urban population, total population and per capita income significantly determined the long run output levels of meat from cattle production systems in Nigeria. Urban population significantly influenced the variability of meat production from sheep. The goat meat output were determined by urban population, total population and per capita income. Conclusively, the growing relationship between urbanization and livestock production could exacerbate land scarcity and fuel land intensification especially for livestock production in urban fringes. The need for guided, sustainable land intensification in livestock production is therefore recommended at peri-urban areas of Nigerian cities. Herdsmen and ranchers should be provided with farm credits to boost their productive capacities and meet the food security needs of the growing urban population in Nigeria. More engagement of organized private sector in livestock value chain should be promoted.