Beneficiary: Zubaida Damakka Abubakar
Sector: Agro Business
Business Name: L&Z INTEGRATED FARMS NIGERIA LIMITED
L&Z INTEGRATED FARMS NIGERIA LIMITED, based in Kano, Nigeria, has marked two decades of excellence in the dairy industry. Established as a family venture in 2004, the company transitioned into a formal business entity 16 years ago. Specializing in the entire dairy market chain, from production to processing and marketing, L&Z has consistently demonstrated a commitment to quality and innovation. With a dedicated workforce of 234 employees, L&Z has emerged as a prominent player in the Nigerian dairy sector.
Before the intervention of the BRAVE (Business Resilience Assistance for Value-Added Enterprises) Women Nigeria Project, L&Z produced approximately 5000 liters of milk daily. Despite facing challenges, the company maintained a steadfast dedication to excellence and sustainability.
The turning point for L&Z came with the support of the BRAVE Women Nigeria Project, which provided a matching grant of $50,000. This injection of funds catalyzed a remarkable transformation, doubling the daily production to 10,000 liters. With this financial boost, L&Z embarked on a series of strategic initiatives, including training for out growers, procurement of vehicles for enhanced market access, and acquisition of essential equipment such as milk storage tanks and a 15 kVA solar power system.
A significant outcome of the BRAVE Women Nigeria Project was the empowerment of women within L&Z’s workforce and surrounding communities. Prior to the grant, the company employed eight female workers. Post-grant implementation, this number soared to 34, with women assuming key positions within the organization. Furthermore, L&Z engaged with 445 cooperatives, 65 of which are led by women, fostering gender inclusivity and economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
While the journey was not without hurdles, L&Z successfully navigated obstacles such as logistical challenges during grant disbursement. The company addressed these issues by introducing financial inclusion measures and fostering collaboration with stakeholders. The BRAVE Women Nigeria Project provided invaluable technical support, ensuring seamless implementation and maximizing the impact of the grant.
With the foundation laid by BRAVE, L&Z is poised for further growth and expansion. The company aims to increase its production capacity to 20,000 liters per day by the end of the year, leveraging its existing infrastructure and expertise. This expansion will not only open new markets but also create additional employment opportunities, contributing to economic development and prosperity.
L&Z remains unwavering in its commitment to quality control, achieving a remarkable 100% compliance rate. Despite the challenges inherent in agricultural production, the company maintained an impressively low rejection rate of 5% from out growers, a testament to its dedication to excellence.
L&Z extends heartfelt gratitude to the BRAVE Women Nigeria Project and its team members for their unwavering support and guidance. Their partnership has been instrumental in driving positive change and empowering communities across Nigeria.
In conclusion, L&Z INTEGRATED FARMS NIGERIA LIMITED exemplifies the transformative power of strategic interventions and collaborative partnerships. Through the BRAVE Women Nigeria Project, the company has not only expanded its operations but also empowered women and communities, fostering sustainable development and economic growth. As L&Z continues to forge ahead on its journey of excellence, it remains committed to driving positive change and making a lasting impact in the Nigerian dairy industry.
