The Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s livestock sector with the training of 100 small-scale dairy farmers in Oyo State, as part of a broader strategy to increase local milk production and reduce the country’s heavy reliance on dairy imports.
The training programme, organised by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in Ibadan between May 4 and 6, focused on modern dairy farming techniques, improved animal husbandry, milk hygiene and handling, feed management, and sustainable production practices aimed at boosting productivity among local farmers.
Speaking on the initiative, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Ajimobi, explained that the programme is designed to empower grassroots farmers and strengthen the entire dairy value chain in line with the government’s livestock development agenda.
According to him, the administration remains committed to achieving self-sufficiency in livestock production through targeted interventions, capacity building, and strategic support for rural farmers.
He emphasized that empowering farmers at the grassroots level remains central to transforming the sector, noting that improved productivity among smallholder farmers would play a key role in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products.
Also speaking at the event, the Oyo State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Florence Kalulu, described small-scale dairy farmers as a vital component of food security and rural economic development in Nigeria.
She highlighted key challenges facing the sector, including low productivity, inadequate animal health management, poor hygiene practices, and limited access to modern dairy technologies.
Kalulu noted that the training aligns with the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which is aimed at improving dairy production, enhancing livelihoods, and ensuring sustainable growth in the livestock industry.
She further explained that beneficiaries of the programme are expected to transfer the knowledge gained to other farmers within their communities, thereby expanding the impact of the initiative.
The training covered key areas such as pasture development, feed conservation, breed improvement, proper feeding techniques for milking cows, herd health management, and efficient milk collection processes.
Stakeholders at the event also called for greater inclusion of women and youths in dairy farming, with the President of the Women in Dairy Production Association, Racheal Eyitayo-Ariori, commending the Federal Government for increasing attention on the sector.
A participant, Moyosore Olatunde, urged the government to further encourage youth participation in dairy farming through innovation-driven support programmes and improved access to resources.
The programme also featured practical demonstrations, classroom sessions, and the distribution of agricultural inputs such as heifers, feed, and salt licks to participating farmers, reinforcing efforts to modernize dairy production in Nigeria.
