Dairy farmers in Kano have reported that Outspan’s investments in the dairy value chain have significantly boosted their productivity.
During the 2024 World Milk Day celebrations in Kano, farmers highlighted the positive impact of Outspan Nigeria Limited’s backward integration initiatives, which began in 2019. Outspan Nigeria, a subsidiary of Olam food ingredients (ofi), launched a programme in partnership with the Kano Dairy Cooperative Union to enhance the capacity of dairy farmers. This included improving milk collection and storage facilities and scaling up cattle health support.
These efforts have led to increased herd productivity and reduced open grazing, which previously caused conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and farmers.
Hassan Muhammed Imam, a senior lecturer at the Kano State Polytechnic and technical assistant to the state governor on cooperative groups, noted that Outspan’s involvement has allowed dairy farmers to settle in one place, thereby reducing herd movements and conflicts.
“The longstanding conflicts between herdsmen and farmers have significantly decreased due to the intervention. Herdsmen can now access feed without encroaching on farmlands, fostering community harmony,” Imam said.
Additionally, these efforts have boosted the incomes of dairy farmers’ wives and enabled more children to attend school.
Salisu Dahiru, a dairy farmer and financial secretary for Kano Dairy, mentioned that before Outspan’s partnership, local crises were common. Since 2019, the partnership has reduced these conflicts by about 75 percent.
“The company provided us with feed, reducing the need for grazing, and trained us to improve herd productivity,” Dahiru said. He also noted that women who previously hawked milk in local markets now sell directly to the company, allowing them to spend more time at home.
Chioma Eze, Dairy Sales Manager B2B for Outspan Nigeria, expressed satisfaction with the progress made since their partnership with the Kano Dairy Cooperative Union. “What started as a small pilot project has now become a successful venture,” Eze remarked.
Praveen Paulsamy, Vice President of ofi’s dairy business in Nigeria, reiterated the company’s commitment to the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing their dedication to investing in the local dairy value chain to enhance productivity in dairy farming communities.
