Scope and Method of Study: Prompted by an apparent lack of incentive on the part of federal and state governments involved in agricultural development in this densely populated area of Nigeria, the author attempted to explore all constraints that limit dairying in the humid tropics as a basis for recommending such procedures necessary for a viable dairy industry in the area. This study was confined to an extensive review of related literature, and a personal interview with a senior lecturer at the University of Ife. The author also drew on his personal experience of seven years of working as a meat inspector in the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture.

Findings and Conclusions: It was found that the absence of dairying in this area is the result of varying degrees of influence from climatic conditions, moisture control and soil stability, land resources, predators and pests, technological adaptation, economic infrastructure, installation of dairy processing plants, livestock importation, nutrition, and the experts we consult on these subjects. This led to the conclusion that efforts must be intensified to bring research results from the colleges and universities to the farmers in rural areas by providing a better agricultural extension service, if government efforts to improve agricultural production have to succeed. Therefore, a greater involvement and participation in dairying by governments, rural cooperatives, institutions of higher learning, the oil companies, and businesses that operate in the Niger Delta was recommended, including the investment of revenue from oil in the development of resources needed for dairy production in the area.