FrieslandCampina WAMCO strengthens Nigeria’s dairy future with capacity-building initiative

NIGERIA – FrieslandCampina WAMCO has reinforced its commitment to the development of a sustainable dairy sector through a two-day capacity building programme under its Value4Dairy Project, focused on maximizing milk production through improved nutrition, feed management and genetic improvement.

The training, themed “Maximizing Milk Production through Nutrition, Feed Management, and Genetic Improvement, brought together dairy farmers, extension officers, technical experts, and agribusiness stakeholders across the dairy value chain.

The training was facilitated by leading global dairy experts from Trouw Nutrition, Barenbrug and URUS Group, all strategic partners in the Value4Dairy Consortium.

Participants received practical and hands-on insights into improved animal nutrition, feed formulation, efficient pasture and forage management, as well as breed improvement strategies aimed at increasing milk yield and farm productivity.

Over the years, FrieslandCampina WAMCO has continued to invest significantly in the Nigerian dairy sector through its Dairy Development initiative, which aligns with the Federal Government’s backward integration agenda.

Through strategic partnerships and farmer-centric interventions, the company has supported thousands of smallholder dairy farmers with training, milk collection infrastructure, access to markets, pasture development, water projects, and breed improvement programmes.

The Value4Dairy Project, launched through collaboration between FrieslandCampina WAMCO and its international technical partners, was established to accelerate sustainable growth within Nigeria’s dairy ecosystem.

Launched in 2021, the project has continued to make notable progress in improving local dairy productivity through artificial insemination programmes, introduction of climate-resilient Girolando breeds, pasture seed trials, farmer training and the promotion of climate-smart dairy farming practices.

Speaking during the programme, Mr. Babatunde Adedokun, Head, Dairy Development, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, emphasized that improving local milk productivity requires a holistic approach that combines quality nutrition, sustainable feed systems, modern breeding techniques and continuous farmer education.

According to him, sustainable dairy development goes beyond increasing milk volumes; it also involves empowering farmers with practical knowledge, strengthening local capacity and building resilient dairy communities that can thrive despite climate and economic challenges.

Facilitators from Trouw Nutrition also highlighted the importance of knowledge transfer and sustainable feed solutions in strengthening Nigeria’s dairy sector.

Remco de Waal, Hendrix4U program manager, stated that optimizing animal nutrition remains one of the fastest ways to improve milk productivity and farmer profitability.

In addition, Ilse Geurts, Formulation Team Lead Nutritionist Ruminants & Swine, emphasized the importance of animal health to dairy productivity.

According to her, balanced feeding, proper ration formulation, rumen efficiency and the right combination of forage and concentrates are critical to maximizing milk yield and improving feed conversion efficiency.

She further noted that understanding the nutritional requirements of dairy cows at different growth and production stages is essential for sustainable and profitable dairy farming.

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