Dairy for Development

Cathy Le Feuvre learns why dairying is so important to the future of smallholder farmers and their families working with RJA&HS-led projects in Africa

The Jersey cow is, we know, a beautiful and iconic symbol of our Island, but it’s also played its part in ensuring the name ‘Jersey’ is globally renowned.

For centuries, pure-bred Jersey cattle have been exported from this little island, and now the Jersey can be found in over 100 countries around the world. The small brown cow is the second most popular breed of dairy cattle and is ideally suited to many environments, especially warmer climates, as she is naturally more heat tolerant and disease resistant than many other pure dairy breeds. The Jersey is able to produce high quality milk and yields relative to her size and food intake, so she’s a great choice for many dairy farmers. It’s these natural traits that make the Jersey cow, or cross-bred Jerseys, ideal for smallholder farmers in some parts of Africa where many people live in poverty. In recent years, the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society (RJA&HS), with the support of Jersey Overseas Aid and working with other partners, has expanded its ‘Dairy for Development’ programme, with projects currently thriving in Rwanda, Ethiopia and Malawi.

Dairy for Development targets areas which already have large cattle populations, centuries-old traditions of dairy farming and relatively mild climates but which suffer from high rates of poverty and malnutrition, and large populations but limited job opportunities. By helping farmers improve their cattle, by introducing Jersey genetics into their herds through AI (artificial insemination), they can see increased milk production. But the famers also receive ongoing help including education to help them manage their farms better and improve the health and welfare of their cows and the sustainability of their farms.

But why do they concentrate on dairying?

‘A common question we receive is why we focus on dairy rather than other agricultural projects. Well, livestock agriculture, and specifically dairy farming, is a massively expanding sector in sub-Saharan Africa, and one in which the Island of Jersey has valuable expertise,’ said programme officer Sam Thomson, who is part of the small Dairy for Development team headed by David Hambrook with support from Louise Agnès.

The Jersey’s small size and feed intake relative to what she can produce is well suited to farmers working with very limited resources.

Did you know that the majority of the world’s poor – estimated to be about 500 million of the 900 million people across the globe who live in extreme poverty, earning less than $1 a day - rely on livestock as their primary source of income? Around 150 million farm households, which represents more than 750 million people, are involved in milk production, the majority of these in developing countries. So, the potential impact of improving dairy production in poorer communities is crucial.

‘In many communities, malnutrition and undernutrition are significant contributors to infant mortality and poor health outcomes which can have long lasting consequences. Livestock-derived foods contain both micronutrients and essential amino acids and proteins, and although other foodstuffs can fulfil the same needs, such diverse foodstuffs are often unavailable or unaffordable to the poor.’ Sam said. When dairying is improved there are also economic benefits for the individual farmers, their families and their communities.

“In many

communities, malnutrition and undernutrition are significant contributors to infant mortality and poor health outcomes which can have long lasting consequences.

“Using Jerseys, and

Jersey-cross animals, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions relative to production, as well as the relative feed and water requirements to produce a given volume of milk.

‘In the areas we work in, a farmer with a healthy, productive cow is likely to earn a higher and more stable income than farmers growing crops, and to be more resilient to external shocks such as extreme weather or economic downturns. If populations are better able to support and feed themselves and build up savings and assets in the form of appropriate dairy cattle, their vulnerability to climate change is reduced.’

But the assistance, training and advice which Dairy for Development provides also has environmental benefits, as they help farmers work towards improved efficiency and sustainable practices,

‘In poorer rural areas, dairying may represent an alternative to less environmentally friendly livelihoods sources such as slash and burn agriculture or exploiting forest resources. Cattle can be grazed on land unsuitable for cultivating food crops and they also create manure which can be used as environmentally friendly and low-cost fertiliser,’ Sam explains.

‘Using Jerseys, and Jersey-cross animals, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions relative to production, as well as the relative feed and water requirements to produce a given volume of milk. Increasing the use of appropriate practices, technologies and animal genetics can all play a part in reducing the intensity of emissions and increasing efficiency of production, ultimately reducing the environmental impact.’

For more information about Dairy for Development go to

www.royaljersey.co.uk/new-dairyfor-development