Farmers harvest money from rare, foreign-bred goats
Livestock rearing has long been a way of life for thousands of families across Kano State. For generations, cattle dominated the landscape of livestock breeding and the economy of rural households, which symbolised wealth, food security and social status. But today, a quiet revolution is unfolding within Kano’s livestock sector and it is being driven […]
Livestock rearing has long been a way of life for thousands of families across Kano State. For generations, cattle dominated the landscape of livestock breeding and the economy of rural households, which symbolised wealth, food security and social status.
But today, a quiet revolution is unfolding within Kano’s livestock sector and it is being driven not by cattle, but by rare, foreign-bred goats that are turning small-scale farmers into high-value livestock entrepreneurs.
For many farmers, small ruminants were once considered secondary livestock, often raised for domestic consumption or modest income.
Today, foreign exotic goats are becoming prized assets that attract wealthy buyers, commercial breeders, and livestock enthusiasts alike.
For Malam Sunusi Ali Musa, the journey into exotic livestock breeding began accidentally, as he claims to have started it as a passion.
“We started with breeding luxury birds and noticed that people showed intense interest in animals that are not commonly found in this region. We then decided to explore exotic goat breeding, not for business purposes, but as a passion,” he said.
The farmer noted that his first investment was acquiring Saanen goats from the Middle East, a decision that would later redefine his business fortunes.
“Widely regarded as one of the world’s most productive dairy goat breeds, Saanen goats are known for their exceptional milk yield and adaptability. These goats produce large quantities of milk daily, and are relatively resistant to diseases. Some buyers keep them for commercial milk production as the milk is said to be highly medicinal, while others keep them as luxury animals in their homes or farmhouses,” he explained.
Since venturing into the business, Musa said demand has continued to rise, attracting customers from within and outside Kano State.
Another farmer in the exotic goat breeding trade, Malam Isma’ila Ahmad, said the growing demand for exotic goats reflects a shift in perceptions of livestock farming from a subsistence activity to a lucrative business venture. According to him, the Damascus goat, popularly associated with the Middle East, is currently one of the most sought-after breeds.
“Although these animals are expensive, demand for them keeps increasing. They adapt well to high temperatures and thrive in plain environments. They also produce high-quality meat compared to many local breeds,” he stated.
Ahmad also highlighted the growing popularity of the Gulabi goat, a rare breed of Pakistan origin. With its striking all-white coat, pink skin, and long drooping ears, the breed commands attention wherever it is found.
“Gulabi goats are valued for both milk and meat production, but beyond that, they are symbols of prestige. Many people keep them to showcase wealth and social status, not only in Kano but in other parts of the world, hence their high valued price,” he noted.
According to him, sourcing these exotic animals is not without its challenges. Ahmad explained that most breeders rely mostly on informal supply chains across African trade routes for their supply due to financial constraints.
“Most of our animals come through Libya and parts of the Niger Republic, as we have not started large-scale importation due to financial limitations; however, the business is profitable,” he said.
Weekend Trust market findings show how lucrative the trade has become, as it gathered that a pair of Damascus goats, male and female, sells for as high as N3.5 million, while individual Gulabi goats can fetch up to N3 million each.
For merchants like Alhaji Usman Baba Gara, the business represents one of the fastest-growing segments of livestock trade in Kano and neighbouring states, as a couple of farmers have been engaged in it and reaping from its sales. “This is a discovery for many farmers, the profits are encouraging, and more people show interest daily,” he noted.
Gara, however, expressed concerns over the absence of a formal regulatory oversight in the importation process.
“We make good money, but what is missing is proper involvement of the national quarantine authorities. I am sure formal regulation will protect both imported animals and local livestock from potential disease risks,” he said.
Similarly, Veterinary experts have also raised similar concerns, warning that unregulated animal importation could expose local livestock populations to serious health threats. Dr Aminu Bashir, a veterinary specialist, emphasised the need for government intervention to formalise the growing trade.
“These animals are highly valuable and unique, which explains why they are in high demand. However, many are being imported without proper medical certification or quarantine procedures, which poses serious risks,” he revealed.
According to him, introducing structured regulatory measures would not only safeguard animal health but also strengthen investor confidence and expand the business potential of exotic livestock breeding.
As Kano continues to evolve as a major livestock hub in northern Nigeria, the rise of exotic goat breeding reflects a broad shift in agricultural entrepreneurship.
What was once considered a niche hobby is gradually becoming a multi-million-naira industry, attracting investors, farmers, and traders seeking new opportunities in the livestock value chain.
For many in the business, the transformation is already reshaping livelihoods and redefining the future of livestock farming in the region. And as the pens of Kano begin to house increasingly rare, exotic, and valuable breeds, one thing is becoming clear in the changing economics of livestock: goats are no longer farm animals; they are becoming premium assets in a fast-growing agricultural frontier.