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By Oluseye Ojo
At least, 50,000 pastoralists, smallholders, and milk producers in three dairy zones of Oyo and Osun States, as well as Abuja, will be empowered directly from the Value4Dairy Consortium, being led by FrieslandCampina, an innovative project, being co-funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The project is expected to transform country’s dairy sector, especially small-scale milk production and its sustainability.
Executive Director, Corporate Affairs of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Ore Famurewa, confirmed the news to Daily Sun, following the successful inauguration of the latest Value4Dairy Consortium project, which aims to revolutionise the sector by empowering local farmers, enhancing productivity, and driving economic prosperity.
It was stated that the Consortium would leverage on cutting-edge advancements in feed, breeding, and sustainable farming practices, to empower 10,000 pastoralists and smallholders initially, with plans for future expansion to include 40,000 milk producers.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Oyo State, this week, which brought together government officials, industry leaders, farmers, and key stakeholders to celebrate the transformative journey.
The Value4Dairy Consortium is expected to create self-sustaining dairy zones that would facilitate milk aggregation and provide essential resources as well as training to enhance sustainable productivity.
The Consortium, which would leverage on cutting-edge advancements in feed, breeding, and sustainable farming practices, would empower 10,000 pastoralists and smallholders initially, with plans for future expansion to include 40,000 milk producers.
This strategic intervention will not only boost dairy production but also improve food security, nutrition, and reduce conflicts between herders and farmers.
The project also adopts a gender-intentional approach, with dedicated initiatives to empower women and foster inclusive growth.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed Mrs. Winnie Lai-Solarin, Director of Animal Husbandry Services at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, delivering a compelling address on behalf of Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.
She commended FrieslandCampina WAMCO for its commitment to driving progress and sustainability within the dairy value chain.
Mr. Roger Adou, the Managing Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, expressed his excitement about embarking on the transformative journey, snd expanding their dairy development footprints in Nigeria.
The Value4Dairy Consortium, formed in collaboration with strategic partners like URUS, Barenbrug, and Agrifirm, is expected to shape the future of dairy development in Nigeria through various initiatives and partnerships with academic institutions.
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