Milk powder is widely used in Africa for a number of reasons, including its ease of transport and storage, its potentially lower cost than fresh milk, and its ability to meet growing demand, particularly in urban areas with growing populations. However, the massive importation of milk powder, particularly skimmed milk and vegetable fat blends, poses challenges to the local dairy industry and to food security.
Here are some key points explaining the use of milk powder in Africa:
Ease of storage and transport:
Milk powder has a longer shelf life and is easier to transport than fresh milk, which is particularly important in regions where transport and storage infrastructure is limited.
Potentially lower cost:
Milk powder, particularly that fattened with vegetable fats, can be more affordable than fresh milk, making it more accessible to a population whose purchasing power is often low.
Population growth and urbanisation:
Population growth, particularly in urban areas, leads to increased demand for dairy products, and milk powder can help meet this demand.
Need for local industries:
Some West African dairy companies use milk powder as a raw material to reconstitute milk and manufacture other dairy products to meet the needs of urban markets.
Competition for local milk:
Massive imports of milk powder can put pressure on local dairy producers, who may find it difficult to compete with the lower prices of imported milk.
Impact on food security:
Some warn that over-reliance on imported milk powder can undermine long-term food security and the sustainability of the local dairy industry.
Source: Google
Photo ©José Calatayud
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