Strengthening African dairy sectors: support expected from public-private cooperation
With a population expected to double by 2050, demand for dairy products in Africa is increasing significantly. However, if local production does not increase at the same rate, importing milk powder will become the only alternative, jeopardizing food self-sufficiency, local production chains, and socioeconomic dynamics in the regions. The dairy sector in Africa is currently facing significant challenges, requiring greater cooperation between stakeholders in the sectors in Africa and Europe.
Following an event organized during the World Dairy Summit in October 2024 with stakeholders from African dairy systems, the FARM Foundation and French Farmers and International Development (AFDI), with the support of CIRAD researchers, are calling for support for local milk production in Africa and strengthening agricultural and trade policies by promoting strategic investments in the dairy sectors by French and European stakeholders. They are publishing a Policy Brief on the topic and shares key recommendations.
The synthesis of these recommendations is presented below and the Policy Brief can be downloaded here:
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Support local production and strengthen European trade and agricultural policies
We recommend the adoption of European agricultural and trade policies that contribute to better regulating trade in dairy products to protect local African markets. These measures will have a real impact if supported by awareness campaigns led by public policies in African countries aimed at informing consumers about the nutritional, environmental, and socioeconomic benefits of local products. It is also crucial to promote equitable partnerships between African and European agricultural cooperatives, fostering co-development based on reciprocity, while taking into account the specific social and environmental characteristics of African regions.
Promoting strategic investments in the dairy sector in Africa through corporate social and environmental responsibility
We call on French and European companies to strengthen their strategic investments in Africa, particularly through public-private partnerships (PPPs), to modernize local infrastructure (transport, processing, sustainable energy solutions). These efforts must be accompanied by a strengthening of their commitments to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), through responsible sourcing practices, transparency, and traceability. Such commitments will strengthen the competitiveness of local producers, support the inclusion of women processors, and encourage sustainable and inclusive development of the dairy sector.
