Outspan Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Olam Food Ingredients (ofi), has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s dairy sector by promoting women’s participation and supporting local dairy farmers through its backward integration programme.
The company highlighted its efforts during the 2026 World Milk Day celebration in Kano State, where it showcased initiatives aimed at improving dairy production, increasing farmer incomes, and building more inclusive farming communities.
Dairy farming remains a critical contributor to rural development, providing nutrition, employment, and income opportunities across the value chain, from production and transportation to processing and marketing. Increased productivity in the sector can help improve livelihoods and food security while boosting local economies.
For more than five years, Outspan has partnered with the Kano Dairy Union to support dairy farming communities through programmes focused on improving milk collection, enhancing cattle health, expanding access to education, and encouraging greater participation of women in the industry.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Isah Abubakar, Manager of the Backward Integration Programme (Dairy) at Outspan Nigeria Limited, said the company’s strategy is built around four key pillars: genetic improvement, feed support, animal health improvement, and livelihood support for pastoralist communities.
According to him, the company is improving cattle breeds through artificial insemination programmes, helping farmers achieve higher milk yields and better productivity. It also provides access to quality animal feed and trains farmers on improved feeding practices, including pasture cultivation and crop residue utilisation.
Dr. Abubakar added that veterinary services, annual vaccination campaigns, and deworming programmes have helped improve herd health and reduce losses. He noted that the company also supports farmers through training, market access opportunities, and income-generating initiatives designed to strengthen household resilience.
The District Head of Dawakin Kudu, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, commended Outspan for its continued support of dairy farmers in the area. He noted that the company’s interventions have helped boost milk production, improve market access, increase incomes, and support children’s education through the donation of school bags and learning materials.
Women Farmers Recognised
In line with this year’s World Milk Day theme, “Celebrating Women Dairy Farmers,” Outspan recognised outstanding female participants within the Kano dairy value chain.
One of the award recipients, Rakia Saadu, expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing it as an encouragement to continue contributing to the growth of the local dairy industry.
The Kano State Ministry of Livestock Development also praised the initiative. Representing the ministry, Yahaya Abbas commended the partnership between Outspan Nigeria Limited and the Kano Dairy Cooperative Federation, describing it as a model for agricultural transformation and rural development.
He noted that their collaboration continues to create opportunities for smallholder dairy farmers, particularly women, while strengthening the growth and sustainability of the dairy sector in Kano State.
