Dairy Production among Small and Medium Scale Farmers in Nigeria: A Case Study of Kaduna and Kano States

Abstract

A study of dairy production and processing by small and medium scale farmers was conducted in Kaduna and Kano States of Nigeria. The survey showed that dairy production is characterized by low milk production, and poor milk hygiene as a result of the use of indigenous/local breeds of dairy cattle managed under pastoral production system by Fulani herders which dominate the dairy subsector. There are limited availability of dairy production and processing technologies and facilities in these target states. Dairy processing and marketing are not well developed with hand milking and marketing by Fulani women being a common feature. These local women process these products into ‘nono’ (fermented milk) and yoghurt and market these milk products in semi-urban and urban cities and in the communities. Identified key constraints to small and medium scale dairy farming are lack of suitable improved breeds of dairy cattle, lack of modern dairy technologies and facilities, and dearth of such modern dairy technologies and facilities, and dearth of such infrastructure as electricity and access road network. Other constraints include the poor socio-economic status of dairy farmers, poor input supply and distribution system, lack of credit facilities and insufficient institutional support. In order to promote the development and commercialization of the dairy sub-sector, it is recommended that there should be sustained provision of dairy technologies, technical
and business advisory services to dairy farmers, modern market development and facilitation and capacity build/training of dairy producers and processors. There is the need for institutional and infrastructural support and development of a strong public-private
partnership (PPP) for enhanced business environment and private sector participation.