A group of rabbits is commonly referred to as a *"colony"*
All Rabbit Breeders Development Forum (ARBADEF), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has hailed rabbit farming as a powerful avenue for economic empowerment and wealth creation in Nigeria.
At a two-day capacity-building workshop in Abuja, ARBADEF’s FCT State Chairperson, Mrs. Lois Auta, emphasized the untapped potential of rabbit farming to transform livelihoods.
The training, themed: _“Silent Wealth: Why Smart Nigerians Are Turning to Rabbit,”_ aimed to combat food insecurity while fostering empowerment among youth and families.
“This program goes beyond lectures—it’s a platform for networking, idea-sharing, and building a vibrant rabbit breeding community,” Auta stated.
She noted that participants were gaining critical skills to capitalize on the rabbit farming value chain.
“The enthusiasm, robust discussions, and strong turnout show the rising interest in this sector,” Auta added, explaining that modern techniques and market access could significantly boost farmers’ incomes, particularly in rural areas.
An agribusiness expert and rabbit farmer from Niger State, Mr. Ismail Yekini, facilitated the training.
Managing over 1,500 rabbits with plans to double his stock by year-end, Yekini highlighted the program’s goal: “We’re equipping youths, women, and retirees with skills to tackle unemployment and food insecurity while creating sustainable income sources.”
He added, “By the end of this training, participants will be ready to run their own rabbit farms and generate steady revenue.”
A rabbit breeding and nutrition specialist, Mr. Abdulrauf Olamilekan, underscored the training’s focus on foundational knowledge.
“Participants will leave with a clear understanding of the essentials for successful rabbit farming,” he said, noting that his Body Breach Farm currently manages 200 rabbits.
One attendee, Mr. Sego Agidion, called the training transformative. “Rabbit farming is a low-key, wealth-building opportunity. With just N20,000, you can start with two rabbits and a cage,” he said. “This has inspired me to kickstart my own farm soon.”
NAN
