**Outspan Nigeria’s Partnership Boosts Dairy Farming in Kano State**
Dairy farmers in Kano State have experienced enhanced productivity and reduced conflicts between herders and farmers through their collaboration with Outspan Nigeria. At the 2024 World Milk Day event in Kano, farmers praised the positive outcomes of the company’s backward integration initiative.
Outspan Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Olam Food Ingredients (OFI), launched its backward integration program in 2019 in partnership with the Kano Dairy Cooperative Union. The initiative aimed to strengthen dairy farmers’ capabilities, improve milk collection and storage facilities, and enhance cattle health support. These efforts have resulted in increased herd productivity and minimized open grazing, previously a source of tension between Fulani herdsmen and local farmers.
The partnership has also raised the incomes of dairy farmers’ spouses and facilitated improved school attendance among their children. During World Milk Day 2024, stakeholders celebrated dairy’s crucial role in nutrition and expressed gratitude to Outspan Nigeria for its contributions.
Dr. Hassan Muhammed Imam, a senior lecturer at Kano State Polytechnic, highlighted the historic conflicts between herdsmen and farmers, noting Outspan Nigeria’s role in settling dairy farmers and promoting community harmony by reducing unnecessary herd movements.
Salisu Dahiru, a dairy farmer and Financial Secretary of Kano Dairy, reported a significant decline in local crises since partnering with Outspan Nigeria, attributing it to reduced grazing and enhanced dairy productivity through training and feed provision.
Dahiru also noted improved earnings for farmers’ spouses, who previously hawked milk but now benefit from direct milk collection by Outspan, allowing them to support their children’s education effectively.
Abdullahi Usman, Chairman of the Kano Dairy Cooperative Union, and Sani Umar, District Head for Dawakin Kudu LGA, expressed gratitude for Outspan’s ongoing support.
Chioma Eze, Dairy Sales Manager, B2B at Outspan Nigeria, reflected on the successful evolution of their five-year partnership with Kano Dairy Cooperative Union, originally a pilot project that has grown substantially.
Praveen Paulsamy, Vice-President of OFI’s dairy business in Nigeria, reaffirmed their commitment to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, pledging continued investment in the local dairy value chain to foster productivity.
To mark World Milk Day, Outspan Nigeria and Kano Dairy organized various activities, including educational material donations to farmers’ children and a quiz competition among pupils, with Matage Primary School emerging as the winner.
