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Training helps small farmers increase dairy production and income
A Small Farmer Gets into Banking
Photo: Juma Shekidele, Land O'Lakes
"I now operate a small bank and am respected in my society," says Amin. "Before, people went to borrow money elsewhere. Now, they come to me first, knowing that I have money from milk. I get 16 liters of milk per day against 10 liters before."
Small dairy farmers in Tanzania face a number of challenges, including low animal productivity and weak farm management skills. Through training in animal health, feeding management, record keeping and breeding, USAID and Land O'Lakes are working to help them overcome these obstacles.
Amin Msuya, a member of the Shume Dairy Cooperative in Lushoto Tanga, is one of the many Tanzanian farmers benefiting from the program. Amin has introduced a number of better practices on his farm that he learned in training, including adopting general husbandry practices and improving the quality of his bulk feed. As a result, Amin's cows now produce 60 percent more milk, which has in turn increased his household income significantly. With the profit generated from the milk sales, Amin has provided loans to five of his neighbors so they too can improve their dairy production.
"I now operate a small bank and am respected in my society," says Amin. "Before, people went to borrow money elsewhere. Now, they come to me first, knowing that I have money from milk. I get 16 liters of milk per day against 10 liters before."
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