Stakeholders in the dairy sector in Adamawa state have enumerated the gains recorded in the state in the last 6 years during the implementation of Advancing Local Dairy Development in Nigeria (ALDDN). The programme was funded by the Gate Foundation and implemented by Sahel consulting firm in 7 states, including Adamawa, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Bauchi, and Taraba. The stakeholders and beneficiaries made their positions known at an official closing ceremony of the programme on Tuesday in Yola.
The ALDDN programme manager, Alh. Abdulrashid Abdulmalik, applauded the commitments of all stakeholders for ensuring the successes of the programme in the state. He commended the state government, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders for their support and collaboration throughout the programme's implementation. Abdulmalik expressed optimism that the programme's gains would be sustained and even expanded in the future.
Madam Thla Gasmis, Head of community Engagement unit of Gonde Fulbe Development Initiative, said the programme contributed to strengthening dairy farmers through capacity building. She noted that farmers are now better connected to opportunities within the dairy value chain, enabling them to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the state's economy. Gasmis emphasized the importance of continued support for dairy farmers to ensure the sustainability of the programme's gains.
Mr. Temi Adogoroye, Managing partner of Sahel consults and ALDDN national team lead, presented an overview of the programme's achievements. He disclosed that the programme had trained over 227 community livestock workers, community husbandry providers, and other categories of workforce in the dairy sector. Adogoroye also mentioned that the programme provided infrastructures and inputs to benefiting communities, including solar-powered boreholes, steamless cans, and access to clinical and non-clinical services.
The programme's impact was not limited to infrastructure and training; it also had a significant effect on the state's dairy sector. Adamawa state commissioner for Livestock Development, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Nyalas Bartholomeh, reiterated the commitment of the state to work closely with all stakeholders to improve the livestock sector. He stressed that the state would leverage the gains recorded and incorporate them into the state livestock policy to ensure its sustainability for the benefits of the state and its people.
The stakeholders and beneficiaries at the closing ceremony emphasized the need for continued support and collaboration to sustain the programme's gains. They noted that the programme had improved the livelihoods of dairy farmers and contributed to the state's economy. The stakeholders also called on the state government to prioritize the dairy sector and provide continued support for dairy farmers to ensure the long-term sustainability of the programme's achievements.
The ALDDN programme has demonstrated the potential for collaboration between stakeholders to drive positive change in the dairy sector. As the programme comes to a close, stakeholders are looking to the future, seeking to build on the gains recorded and ensure that the benefits of the programme are sustained. The programme's success has highlighted the importance of continued investment in the dairy sector and the need for stakeholders to work together to drive growth and development in the industry.
Key points
- The ALDDN programme trained over 227 community livestock workers and provided infrastructures and inputs to benefiting communities.
- The programme contributed to strengthening dairy farmers through capacity building and improved their connections to opportunities within the dairy value chain.
- The state government has reiterated its commitment to work closely with stakeholders to improve the livestock sector and incorporate the programme's gains into the state livestock policy.
