Nigeria’s dairy sector is set to undergo a transformative journey with the inauguration of the latest Value4Dairy Consortium project, signaling a significant leap forward for the industry.
Co-funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the launch of the project, which held last week at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Oyo State, represents a substantial investment in Nigeria’s dairy sector and will boost small-scale milk production and promote sustainability across three dairy zones in Oyo, Osun and Abuja.
Led by FrieslandCampina WAMCO (FCW), the consortium will leverage cutting-edge advancements in feed, breeding and sustainable farming practices to uplift local farmers and drive economic prosperity across the sector.
According to the Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, FCW, Ore Famurewa, these self-sustaining dairy zones will not only facilitate milk aggregation but also provide essential resources and training to enhance productivity sustainably.
Through strategic interventions she said, 10,000 pastoralists and smallholders will be empowered initially, with plans for expansion to include 40,000 milk producers subsequently. “The project’s impact transcends mere dairy production, encompassing broader societal benefits such as improved food security, heightened nutrition and reduced conflicts between herders and farmers.
Embracing a gender-intentional approach, the programme also includes dedicated initiatives to empower women and foster inclusive growth,” she added.
At the inauguration, the Director of Animal Husbandry Services at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Winnie Lai-Solarin, delivered a compelling address on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari. She emphasised the significance of the project in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
Highlighting the project’s potential to enhance food security and uplift rural communities, she commended FCW for its dedication to driving progress within the dairy value chain and underscored the company’s commitment to implementing impactful programs aimed at accelerating development and fostering sustainability in the sector.
