The Value4diary consortium, spearheaded by Friesland Campina, has inaugurated a trio of dairy zone initiatives aimed at bolstering local dairy production within Nigeria.
Supported jointly by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the project is designed to enhance smallholder milk production and foster sustainable practices in the dairy zones located in Oyo, Osun, and Abuja.
“It fills us with immense pride to commence this transformative venture, broadening our dairy development endeavors within Nigeria,” proclaimed Roger Adou, the managing director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC.
“United with our Value4Dairy collaborators and through pioneering strategies, we stand firm in our dedication to fostering economic growth and fortifying communities throughout the nation,” added Adou.
Beyond the realm of dairy production, the project’s influence extends to wider societal advantages, including bolstered food security, improved nutritional standards, and the mitigation of conflicts between herders and farmers.
The statement indicated that these independent dairy zones will not only streamline milk collection but also supply vital resources and training to boost productivity in an eco-friendly manner.
“The consortium is set to harness the latest innovations in feed, breeding, and eco-conscious farming techniques to elevate local farmers and stimulate economic growth within the industry,” furthered the statement.
The consortium’s targeted initiatives are designed to initially support 10,000 pastoralists and small-scale farmers, with an ambition to eventually extend assistance to 40,000 dairy producers in the years ahead.
Launched in April 2021, the Value4Dairy Consortium is a collaborative effort involving four key partners renowned for their expertise in different agricultural value chains: FrieslandCampina WAMCO, URUS, Barenbrug, and Agrifirm.
