Indigenous Dairy Practices Among Fulani Herdsmen form one of the most enduring yet least documented food production systems in Northern Nigeria, rooted in centuries of pastoral knowledge, environmental adaptation, and cultural identity. Long before the emergence of formal dairy industries, Fulani herdsmen perfected a system of milk production that responds to climate, terrain, and the biological limits of local cattle breeds. This system remains visible today across many parts of the North, including Plateau State, where pastoral communities around Kurra Falls in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area continue to practice traditional milking in ways that sustain livelihoods, nourish households, and preserve cultural heritage.
The Fulani people are widely recognized as one of the largest pastoral groups in West Africa, with cattle rearing forming the backbone of their socio economic existence. Among them, milk is not merely a food item but a symbol of wealth, survival, and continuity. Cattle ownership defines status, while milk production provides daily sustenance and a modest but reliable source of income. Unlike commercial dairy systems that rely on intensive feeding, mechanization, and high yielding exotic breeds, Fulani dairy practices are built on mobility, patience, and intimate understanding of animal behavior.
In Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, the environment presents a unique setting for indigenous dairy production. The cool climate, undulating terrain, and availability of seasonal grasses around Kurra Falls create favorable grazing conditions for local cattle breeds. Fulani settlements scattered around this area often combine semi nomadic movement with temporary settlement, allowing herdsmen to take advantage of pasture regeneration while maintaining proximity to local markets. This balance between movement and settlement has enabled sustained milk production without exhausting the natural environment.
The cattle breeds commonly milked by Fulani herdsmen in this region include Bunaji, also known as White Fulani, Rahaji, and occasionally Sokoto Gudali. These breeds are well adapted to local conditions, resistant to many tropical diseases, and capable of surviving on natural pasture with minimal supplementation. While their milk yield is lower compared to exotic dairy breeds, their resilience and low maintenance requirements make them suitable for traditional systems. Milk production is therefore steady rather than abundant, emphasizing quality, freshness, and cultural value over volume.
Milking itself is a carefully observed routine guided by tradition and experience. In most Fulani households, milking takes place early in the morning or late in the evening when the weather is cool and the animals are calm. Around Kurra Falls, herdsmen often milk their cows before leading them to graze near riverbanks and open grasslands. The process is entirely manual, relying on clean hands and simple containers, often calabashes that have been used for generations. These calabashes are washed with water and sometimes smoked with specific herbs, a practice believed to improve hygiene and preserve the quality of milk.
An important aspect of indigenous dairy practice is the relationship between the cow and her calf. Fulani herdsmen rarely milk a cow fully without allowing the calf to suckle first. This practice serves both biological and cultural purposes. It stimulates milk let down, ensures the health of the calf, and reflects a belief that milk ultimately belongs to the young animal before humans. Only after the calf has fed does the herdsman collect milk for household consumption or sale. This approach contrasts sharply with commercial systems where calves are often separated early to maximize yield.
Women play a central role in milk handling and processing within Fulani communities. While men are primarily responsible for herding and milking, women take charge of transforming fresh milk into consumable and marketable products. In settlements around Kurra Falls, Fulani women process milk into nono, a fermented milk widely consumed across Northern Nigeria, as well as kindirmo and local butter known as manshanu. These products are sold in nearby communities, roadside markets, and sometimes to tourists and visitors drawn to Kurra Falls.
The economic importance of these dairy products cannot be overstated. Income from milk sales often supports household needs such as food, healthcare, and education. In Barkin Ladi, where farming and tourism coexist, Fulani women frequently sell nono to local farmers, traders, and visitors exploring Kurra Falls. This interaction not only provides income but also fosters social and economic integration between pastoralists and host communities, countering the often one sided narratives of conflict that dominate discussions about herders.
Nutrition is another critical dimension of indigenous dairy practices. Fresh milk and fermented products provide essential proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, especially for children. In Fulani households, milk consumption is closely linked to health and strength. Fermentation extends shelf life and improves digestibility, making nono a practical solution in environments with limited refrigeration. Around Kurra Falls, where electricity supply can be irregular, these traditional preservation methods remain highly relevant.
Despite their strengths, indigenous dairy practices face numerous challenges. Climate change has altered grazing patterns, reduced pasture availability, and increased competition over land. In Plateau State, population growth and agricultural expansion have narrowed traditional grazing routes, sometimes forcing herdsmen to move further from water sources such as Kurra Falls. This movement can disrupt milking routines and reduce milk yield. Additionally, limited access to veterinary services exposes cattle to preventable diseases, affecting both animal health and milk quality.
Another challenge lies in hygiene and storage. While traditional methods have sustained communities for generations, they often fall short of modern food safety standards required for large scale commercialization.
Milk is usually sold fresh and consumed quickly, limiting market reach. In Barkin Ladi, Fulani women selling nono often depend on immediate buyers because prolonged storage is difficult without cooling facilities. This restricts income potential and discourages expansion beyond local markets.
There is also a growing disconnect between indigenous dairy systems and formal agricultural policy.
Government interventions in the dairy sector frequently prioritize large scale ranching and imported breeds, overlooking the value of existing pastoral knowledge. Yet, around Kurra Falls, it is clear that indigenous practices offer lessons in sustainability, environmental stewardship, and low cost production. Ignoring these systems risks eroding livelihoods and cultural heritage without necessarily achieving food security goals.
Opportunities for improvement exist if approached with sensitivity and respect. Training programs focused on hygienic milking, basic milk testing, and improved processing techniques could significantly enhance product quality without disrupting traditional lifestyles. The establishment of small dairy cooperatives in areas like Barkin Ladi would allow Fulani women to pool resources, access microcredit, and negotiate better prices. Simple technologies such as solar powered coolers could extend shelf life and open new markets.
Tourism around Kurra Falls also presents untapped potential. As visitors explore the natural beauty of the area, indigenous dairy products could be promoted as part of the local experience. With proper packaging and branding, nono and other products could become symbols of Plateau State’s cultural diversity. This would not only generate income but also encourage positive interaction between pastoralists, tourists, and local authorities.
Education and dialogue are equally important. Misunderstandings between herders and farmers often overshadow the productive contributions of Fulani communities. Documenting and promoting indigenous dairy practices helps shift the narrative from conflict to cooperation. In Barkin Ladi, where farming, tourism, and pastoralism intersect, inclusive development policies could strengthen social cohesion while boosting local economies.
Indigenous Dairy Practices Among Fulani Herdsmen therefore represent more than a method of milk production. They embody resilience, adaptation, and a deep relationship between people, animals, and the environment. The examples from Kurra Falls in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area demonstrate that these practices remain functional, relevant, and capable of contributing to food security and rural development. Preserving and improving them does not require replacing tradition with technology, but rather integrating indigenous knowledge with thoughtful support. In doing so, Northern Nigeria can build a dairy future that is sustainable, inclusive, and rooted in its own rich heritage.
