- Feature
By Michael Adedotun Oke
The Fulani and Hausa herdsmen Ango Fulani Old Kutunku of Gwagwalada have a farmstead where cattle have their sleeping, feeding, housing, and milking places, with a place for cultivation of crops, gathering of organic manure, and various cooking systems. They also have a simple human-made toilet and simple housing systems. They prepare nono in their compound and sell it in the city of Gwagwalada while the nono is made from cow milk collected in calabash and allotments.
This essay explores the various activities now taking place, such as milking, processing, preservation, fermentation techniques, marketing of their various dairy products, rearing of cows in terms of feeding and management, collection of manures, and agricultural activities both inside and outside were documented through pictorial representation, discussion, and personal interviews. The research reveals that some Fulani live near to their cows, engage in farming, and milk their cows in the morning. Fresh, boiled, or curdled milk is produced by a single cow that is milked twice daily during the wet season and once daily during the dry season.
The women of the community sell the milk to make cooked millet balls known as fura, but they also consume it because the milk is unhygienic ally prepared and has a short shelf life. The establishment of backyard dairy plants, effective milk safety measures, systems for good cleanliness, and alternative milk marketing methods other than the open calabash system and the construction of backyard dairy farms are all suggested in this paper.
The Importance of Milk in Fulani Culture
Milk plays a significant role in the Fulani culture, and it is an essential part of their diet. The Fulani believe that milk has medicinal properties, and it is often used to treat various ailments. The women of the community also use milk to make butter, cheese, and other dairy products, which are sold in local markets.
According to reports, Nigeria has the capacity to become a significant milk producer in Africa. Milk production may be significantly increased for both domestic consumption and export by using better techniques of storing, processing, packing, and shipping. Thanks to our nomadic and semi-nomadic Fulani, Nigeria is the greatest milk producer in West Africa and the third largest producer of cow milk in Africa. Just about 2% of the milk produced worldwide comes from Africa. 20% to 25% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s agricultural output is milk.
Milk Production in Sub-Saharan Africa
| African Regions | Cow Milk | Sheep Milk | Goat Milk | Sub-total | Camel Milk |
| Eastern | 4,959 | 1,053 | 1,410 | 7,422 | 2,276 |
| Western | 1,071 | 141 | 294 | 1,506 | 402 |
| Southern | 720 | … | 13 | 733 | … |
| Central | 311 | 3 | 22 | 336 | … |
| Total | 7,061 | 1,197 | 1,739 | 9,997 | 2,678 |
Challenges Facing the Fulani Dairy Industry
Despite the importance of milk in Fulani culture, the dairy industry faces several challenges. One of the major challenges is the lack of modern dairy facilities and equipment. The Fulani dairy farmers rely on traditional methods of milk production, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Another challenge facing the Fulani dairy industry is the lack of access to markets. The Fulani dairy farmers often have to travel long distances to sell their products, which can be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, the lack of refrigeration facilities means that milk and dairy products are often spoiled before they can be sold.
The local cow genotype (Bos indicus) that contributes about 65% of the milk in Nigeria is multipurpose. Yielding only about 0.7 liters of milk per day, the local breed are not, therefore, a good milker. Genetic improvement of the local variety relies on natural cross-breeding. Less than three percent of the stock has been artificially inseminated.
The Potential for Improvement
Despite the challenges facing the Fulani dairy industry, there is potential for improvement. The establishment of backyard dairy plants and effective milk safety measures can help to improve the quality of milk and dairy products. Additionally, the introduction of modern dairy facilities and equipment can help to increase milk production and reduce the workload of dairy farmers.
The government and other stakeholders can also play a role in improving the Fulani dairy industry. Providing support for dairy farmers, such as training and access to credit, can help to improve milk production and quality. More so, investing in infrastructure, such as roads and refrigeration facilities, can help to improve the overall efficiency and productivity of the dairy industry, ultimately benefiting the Fulani dairy farmers and the community as a whole. By working together, we can unlock the full potential of the Fulani dairy industry and contribute to the economic development of Nigeria.
Conclusion
The Fulani dairy farming system is a traditional practice that provides a source of income and nutrition for the community. While there are challenges facing the dairy industry, there is potential for improvement. With the establishment of backyard dairy plants, effective milk safety measures, and modern dairy facilities and equipment, the Fulani dairy industry can thrive, providing benefits to the community and the economy.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- The establishment of backyard dairy plants to improve milk production and quality.
- The introduction of modern dairy facilities and equipment to reduce the workload of dairy farmers and improve milk production.
- The provision of support for dairy farmers, such as training and access to credit, to improve milk production and quality.
- The investment in infrastructure, such as roads and refrigeration facilities, to improve access to markets and reduce spoilage.
- The promotion of good cleanliness practices and milk safety measures to ensure the quality of milk and dairy products.
By implementing these recommendations, the Fulani dairy industry can be improved, providing benefits to the community and the economy.
*Oke is the Executive Director (Michael Adedotun Oke Foundation), Plot 232 Kaida Road Old Kuntunku Gwagawalada, P.O. Box 11611, Garki Abuja, Nigeria. maof2020@gmail.com, talentupgradeglobalconcept@gmail.com +23408027142077.
