FARMING
Changing lives in Africa A programme of the RJA&HS is supporting developing dairy industries around the world and also improving standards of living in poor rural areas of Africa. By Cathy Le Feuvre
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he Jersey cow is an important and historic symbol of our Island, appreciated for her beauty, calm nature and high-quality milk. But what many who regularly enjoy the sight of the small, placid brown cow in our landscape may not realise is that the Jersey is now the second most popular breed of dairy cow globally. It can be found in over 100 countries, either as pure or cross breeds. Jersey cattle are increasingly important to smallholder dairy farmers in Africa where native cows are often bred with Jersey genetics to improve the stock and produce more nutrientrich milk. Sales help to increase family incomes, enhance standards of living and give children a better future.
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The Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society’s Dairy for Development programmes support developing dairy industries around the world and are currently leading three projects in Rwanda, Malawi and Ethiopia, funded by Jersey Overseas Aid. Through partnerships with other agencies, they provide Jersey Island genetics, mainly through frozen bull semen. They also deliver training for farmers and dairy agencies, to help improve not just the quality of cattle and production yields, but also the management of herds, including health care, animal welfare and reducing the climate impact of farm systems.
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Dairy for Development programmes support developing dairy industries around the world and are currently leading three projects in Rwanda, Malawi and Ethiopia
One partner is a charity called UdderWise, which was set up in 2015 by Peter Edmondson, a UK-based Irish dairy vet who has specialised for the past 40 years in mastitis and milk quality. With vast experience of dairying across the world and three books on mastitis, Peter regularly speaks at international conferences. When he visited Jersey in September, he led an engaging evening for members of the Jersey farming and JOA community, as well as leading politicians.
