In a landscape where small-scale farmers often face devastating losses due to disease outbreaks and lack of resources, Nigerian startup Doorcas Africa is making a pivotal impact. Founded last year by Abayomi Odole, Doorcas connects livestock owners with certified veterinarians through an innovative digital platform, aiming to revolutionize animal welfare and disease prevention across the country.
Doorcas enables farmers to easily schedule vaccinations and report suspected diseases directly through a mobile app and SMS reminders. “We help livestock owners stay current with vaccination schedules, which is essential for preventing the spread of diseases and enhancing animal health,” Odole shared in an exclusive interview. Farmers are also empowered to report potential outbreaks in real time, allowing Doorcas to use advanced AI to track disease trends. “This data is invaluable for developing predictive models, researching diseases, and creating insights that help prevent future outbreaks,” Odole said.
Odole’s journey began with a childhood experience that fueled his determination to make a difference in livestock farming. A failed attempt to raise three chickens instilled in him a lifelong desire to address animal health challenges. “Watching those chickens die left a deep impression on me and guided my decision to pursue veterinary science,” he revealed. While studying, Odole grew increasingly aware of the challenges plaguing livestock farmers across Africa, particularly the severe financial and knowledge gaps that hinder their success.
After meeting like-minded individuals through the Fishbowl Challenge, an international competition, Odole launched Doorcas in response to the critical need for accessible veterinary care. “Our mission is to help farmers monitor livestock health and prevent the often-catastrophic losses they experience due to disease,” he explained.
The statistics tell a concerning story. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates Nigeria incurs an annual economic loss of around $1.5 billion due to livestock diseases, amounting to 1.5% of the country’s GDP. Doorcas seeks to turn the tide by connecting farmers with vetted veterinarians and providing essential information on vaccinations and disease management. In addition, Doorcas offers coupons to make veterinary services more affordable, a crucial step in reducing reliance on unqualified providers. “Farmers often use traditional or unreliable methods, which heighten the risk of zoonotic diseases,” Odole said.
Through its predictive analytics, Doorcas identifies trends in endemic diseases, enabling farmers to act preemptively. “We stand out because we prioritize farmer education, provide affordable care, and deliver insights into disease patterns that can save lives and livelihoods,” he added. Competing with platforms like Vet Konect and Farm Alert, Doorcas continues to enhance its offerings and reach.
As Doorcas gains traction, the startup has also participated in high-profile accelerator programs, including the e-Track initiative at the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business. Now in the midst of raising a pre-seed funding round, Doorcas aims to grow its user base and advance its technology to be even more user-friendly for small-scale farmers.
With plans for regional expansion, Doorcas is determined to serve a broader market across Sub-Saharan Africa, even adapting the platform to local languages to increase accessibility. “Making the platform accessible in African languages is a major priority for us, as it will open the door for farmers across the continent to benefit,” Odole noted.
Doorcas Africa represents a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s livestock sector, offering farmers the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to build healthier and more resilient herds. Through its pioneering approach, the startup is well-positioned to change the future of livestock farming in Africa.
