Value4Dairy Consortium Secures $5 Million Grant from Gates Foundation for Nigerian Dairy Sector
Value4Dairy Consortium Secures $5 Million Grant from Gates Foundation for Nigerian Dairy Sector
Gates Foundation for Nigerian Dairy Sector: Under the direction of FrieslandCampina, the Value4Dairy Consortium has been able to secure a $5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support the Nigerian dairy industry. The award, which covers half of the Consortium’s most recent initiative, intends to improve the dairy industry’s sustainability and productivity in Nigeria.
According to the Consortium’s strategy, three self-sufficient dairy zones would be established in Oyo, Osun, and Abuja. These zones would act as centers for the training and assistance of 10,000 smallholders and pastoralists, with the possibility of adding 40,000 more milk producers in the future. Every dairy zone will have the necessary facilities so that FrieslandCampina WAMCO can turn aggregated milk into wholesome dairy products.
Through the project, local farmers will be empowered and milk output will be increased at a lower cost by having access to advances in feed, breeding, sustainable farming practices, and market routes. The program also aims to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, increase farmer incomes, improve nutrition, lessen disputes between farmers and herders, improve water access, and contribute to food security.
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The program incorporates interventions to empower women in diverse activities and additional revenue creation with a gender-intentional focus. According to Jeroen Elfers, Director of Global Dairy Development at FrieslandCampina, the company is committed to building strong local dairy value chains and expressed gratitude for the Gates Foundation award for giving extra cash to accelerate the project.
The creation of the greatest dairy value chain in South-West Nigeria has been emphasized by the Consortium, according to Roger Adou, Managing Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO. The Value4Dairy Consortium was established in April 2021 and includes FrieslandCampina WAMCO, URUS, Barenbrug, and Agrifirm as strategic partners.
