Farmer behavioral change is key to productivity improvements in the Nigerian dairy industry

Dairy, Semen/Embryos, USDA

Oluwafisayomi Kayode, a USDA Cochran fellow, is transforming the Nigerian dairy industry through his leadership in the ALDDN (Advancing Local Dairy Development in Nigeria) program. In 2022, he was selected to participate in USDA's Cochran Fellowship Program hosted by USLGE in Madison, WI, where the importance of best practices in dairy management, strategic stakeholder engagement, and the enabling role of policy was emphasized. He also learned that farmer behavioral change is key to productivity improvements and that adoption of improved management practices—such as proper housing, feeding, and animal care—must be prioritized over technical inputs alone.

Through his leadership role at ALDDN, a multiyear initiative funded by the Gates Foundation, Kayode is currently restructuring the capacity building strategy by training over 120 community-based champions and animal husbandry extension workers across 4 northern States. Those local champions now deliver ongoing training and support to smallholder farmers, enhancing their knowledge retention and practice adoption.

During his fellowship, Kayode learned that artificial insemination (AI) success depends on foundational herd management; without proper housing, feeding, and care, AI yields minimal benefit. He is now advocating for a more holistic breeding strategy that prioritizes improving husbandry practices before introducing AI. As a result, the program is now seeing increased adherence to protocols and a notable reduction in cattle migration in subsequent program phases.

ALDDN is partnering with commercial farms that can serve as early adopters and accelerators of change. They have partnered with some of the most important companies in the private sector such as L&Z Farms, Ltd., one of the fastest growing indigenous dairy farms in Nigeria, and Integrated Dairies, Ltd., a leading conglomerate in the industry, to establish model centers where farmers can witness improved dairy practices firsthand. ALDDN has also partnered with the URUS group, a holding company with an international presence, to train over 130 community-level AI technicians, to address a critical skill gap. In the words of Kayode:

"The Cochran Fellowship didn’t end when I returned—it sparked a new chapter of informed leadership and systemic change. It equipped me with tools, perspectives, and global benchmarks that continue to shape ALDDN and influence Nigeria’s dairy sector. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the USDA Cochran Fellowship Program for investing in local leaders and building global bridges that translate into sustainable development outcomes.”