Outspan Nigeria unveil tech-driven strategies for dairy industry transformation

NIGERIA – Outspan Nigeria, a subsidiary of ofi, has announced a series of tech-driven solutions aimed at transforming the dairy industry.

These technologies focus on improving milk collection, storage, and distribution, ensuring higher efficiency and productivity in the dairy value chain.

The company, in partnership with the Kano Dairy Union, hosted a commemorative event in Tassa Village, Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area, where industry leaders and farmers gathered to discuss the future of dairy farming.

Outspan Nigeria’s Backwards Integration Manager, Dr. Isah Abubakar, emphasised that technology will be a game-changer in addressing long-standing challenges in the dairy sector.

He highlighted the company’s commitment to making high-quality dairy products more accessible while improving efficiency and productivity.

“Our vision is to build a smarter, more productive sector that contributes meaningfully to national food security and economic development,” Abubakar stated. He noted that embracing modern dairy technologies would help farmers reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve milk quality, he said.

Outspan Dairy value chain investment impacts Nigerian dairy farmers

Last year, Dairy farmers in Kano state reported significant improvements in productivity due to investments in the dairy value chain by Outspan Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Olam Food Ingredients (OFI).

Outspan Nigeria initiated a backward integration programme in the dairy sector in 2019 in collaboration with the Kano Dairy Cooperative Union aiming at enhancing dairy farmers’ capacities, upgrading milk collection and storage facilities in farming clusters, and improving 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 senior assistant to the state governor on cooperative groups, noted that Outspan Nigeria’s involvement has allowed dairy farmers to settle in one place, reducing the unnecessary movement of herds that had historically led to disputes between Fulani herdsmen and local farmers.

 “Conflict issues between the herdsmen and farmers have been in existence for decades. The intervention of the business has ensured the herdsmen can access feed for their cattle without roaming around farmlands. This arrangement has led to harmony in the communities,” Imam stated.

She added that the initiative has also positively impacted the income of dairy farmers and increased school attendance among their children.

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