Why dairy farmers need to join cooperatives
By Sammy WaweruKieni West, nestled within the expansive Nyeri County, is no stranger to the harsh realities of drought.
Despite locals engaging in horticultural farming through irrigation, some rely on livestock farming to sustain their livelihoods.
In this arid and semi-arid land (Asal) region, Kieni Dairy Products Ltd stands tall, serving as a beacon of hope for dairy farmers and fostering a more resilient agricultural sector.
Established in 2010, Solomon Maina, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), proudly acknowledges the milestones achieved by farmers under the cooperative’s banner, including enhanced marketing linkages and expanded market opportunities.
“The idea to form the union came to us in 1995, and fifteen years later, we launched it, proud of the progress we have made so far,” Maina reflects.
With a membership tallying 6,000 dairy farmers, Kieni Dairy Products Ltd addresses perennial challenges faced by farmers, especially concerning milk prices.
Grievances, from unfair dealings with middlemen to exorbitant production costs, have plagued dairy farmers in the country for years.
According to Maina, the meager price of milk has been a source of distress among members.
However, through collective action, the cooperative association navigates major markets, particularly the milk processing industries, creating avenues for fair compensation and market access.
The Cooperatives and Micro and Small Enterprise Cabinet Secretary, Simon Chelugui, advocates for farmers’ involvement in groups or unions to facilitate easier access to government services.
He emphasizes the benefits, such as affordable subsidised fertiliser, accessible to farmers in unions or cooperative societies, highlighting strides made towards agricultural sustainability.
In an exclusive interview with Nairobi News, Maina revealed the pivotal role of Kieni Dairy Products Ltd in distributing government fertiliser to farmers in Kieni West, addressing crucial input challenges faced by farmers.
Responding to the region’s susceptibility to frequent droughts, the organization offers comprehensive training programs to farmers on fodder growth and preservation techniques, ensuring resilience even in adverse climatic conditions.
The society’s daily collection of over 20,000 liters of milk underscores its significant contribution to the dairy sector. According to Mr Maina, farmers are paid Sh44 per liter supplied.
Beyond raw milk, the value addition journey includes processing yogurt under the Highridge brand, comprising flavors like Vanilla and Strawberry.
Maina underscores processing profitability, noting that every liter of milk when value-added translates to a minimum income of Sh160, reflecting the untapped potential within the dairy value chain.
Currently, the facility processes products using manual machines.
Kieni Dairy Products Ltd calls on the government to support it in acquiring modern and automated machinery, signaling a commitment to technological advancement and efficiency.
The association’s dedication to enhancing the dairy sector earned it a coveted spot at the Sankalp Africa Summit 2024, eleventh edition.
The platform brought together stakeholders from diverse sectors, showcasing innovative solutions and fostering partnerships for sustainable development.
The company stands as a beneficiary of projects by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and the Sun Business Network (SBN), amplifying its impact and paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous dairy industry.
Its commitment exemplifies the transformative power of cooperative action in addressing the challenges faced by dairy farmers and charting a path towards agricultural resilience and prosperity.
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