Dairy farming in the highland region of Molo Subcounty, Kenya, holds great potential for growth. However, farmers face significant challenges, including inadequate knowledge, poor housing, and poor feeding practices, all of which hinder their ability to achieve high milk yields.
The 3E organization, through its project Milk Vision 2030 has been actively working to address these challenges and empower dairy farmers. In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the organization has implemented a comprehensive training program. This program equips farmers with valuable knowledge on cultivating and harvesting high-quality feed for their cows, as well as proper storage and preservation of harvested feed to ensure year-round availability. These training initiatives have already yielded positive results, with a noticeable increase in milk production among participating farmers by up to 27%.
Recognizing the critical role of proper housing in animal welfare and productivity, the 3E organization has taken a significant step towards improving living conditions for dairy cows. Ten farmers have been supported to construct a standard zero grazing unit that can house 3 cows and one calf. These structures incorporate essential features such as dry sleeping area that ensure the rests well and comfortably throughout the night, dedicated feeding areas to ensure the animal has access to enough food throughout the day, and designated water drinking areas that ensures access to water 24/7.Additionally all these features ensures animal welfare, reduces stress in animals and minimizes exposure to diseases and infections.
The successful construction of these modern cow sheds is expected to Improve the living conditions of the animal, which will lead to reduced stress and disease incidence, resulting in healthier cows and higher milk yields. Moreover, these models will serve as a valuable benchmark and motivation for other farmers in the community to adopt similar practices.
The 3E organization remains committed to working closely with dairy farmers in Molo Subcounty to achieve sustainable improvements in dairy production. By addressing critical challenges through a combination of training and infrastructure development the organization aims to empower farmers and enhance their livelihoods
Let us join hands together in creating more sustainable solutions within the dairy sector, ultimately empowering rural communities and fostering economic growth
“I used to have a small cowshed that could only accommodate two cows. It lacked a proper drinking area, forcing me to manually fetch water daily, which limited my cows’ access. Poor drainage also led to frequent illnesses and infections. Thanks to 3E Africa, I now have zero grazing units that provide my cows with a comfortable and stress-free environment. I’m grateful for this improvement in their living condition.” -farmer
