CDP IN ACTION

Transforming Dairy Farming in East Africa: URUS and the Future of Cattle Genetics

URUS, in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, launched the Africa Dairy Genetics Multiplication Program in 2022 to enhance cattle genetics across East Africa. The program’s primary goal is to increase socio-economic benefits for smallholder farmers by improving animal productivity and reducing methane emissions per liter of milk produced, contributing positively to environmental sustainability.

Our key channel to reach smallholder farmers has been collaborating with various cooperative societies across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. In Uganda, we are engaged with nearly 100 cooperatives, reaching 4,900 farmers through our training programs. In Tanzania, URUS works with nine cooperatives, impacting 1,208 farmers. In Kenya, where the cooperative movement is more established, we have trained over 20,000 farmers across 30 dairy societies, many of which have memberships exceeding 1,000 farmers.

Our training initiatives focus on shifting mindsets and building trust in advanced reproductive techniques such as artificial insemination (AI). AI is a proven method to rapidly improve genetics, especially through the use of gender-selected semen. However, the perceived high cost of AI services, particularly sexed semen, poses a challenge for adoption among smallholder farmers, many of whom face cash flow constraints. Some cooperatives have developed AI service models that enable members to access these services through a check-off system, helping to improve uptake.

Despite these advances, the check-off system has limitations. The availability of bull semen is often determined by the farmer’s creditworthiness, which is based on the volume of milk delivered to the cooperative rather than the specific genetic needs of the farmer. This makes it difficult for smallholder farmers to access superior genetics or gender-selected semen, which tends to be more expensive. Additionally, management and feeding practice challenges further impair their cows’ reproductive capabilities.

Cooperatives also face constraints in the number of AI technicians they can employ, which limits their ability to reach all members, especially in regions with vast distances, such as Tanzania.

To address these challenges, URUS is collaborating with cooperatives to develop innovative AI service delivery models and provide comprehensive education to smallholder farmers, equipping them to raise more profitable cows. We are also addressing the issue of breed suitability by introducing breeds that can thrive in tropical environments, which present unique challenges such as high temperatures and tick-borne diseases.

AI techs in URUS overalls celebrate completing training 

Our Teams in Action: Kenya

Visit to Waraza Farmers co-op, Kieni, Nyeri county, Kenya
Farmer training, Cherobu Dairies, Kenya
Chuure Dairy farmers Co-op, Meru County

Tanzania

Nguni Women’s co-operative society, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Kalali Women’s Dairy co-operative society, Kilimanjaro

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