Dairy Farm Equipment, Ethiopia

Most farmers in Ethiopia are subsistence farmers, living around the poverty line. Most farmers also own cows. The dairy sector has a large potential for improvements. The improved dairy cattle population (better breeds) is still very small, and feed is often of low quality. A number of initiatives are currently undertaken to improve the dairy value chain in Ethiopia. A major problem identified in these programmes is the limited availability and maintenance of quality dairy farm equipment. This project focuses on this missing link in the dairy value chain, and proposes to develop production units for the production of dairy tools and equipment for:

• Measuring, storage and chilling of the milk,
• Processing milk and producing butter, cheese and yogurt,
• Packaging.

The production units will be developed at two existing technical colleges, both partners in the project. A new technical college will be established for regional coverage in Ethiopia. The estimated outcome of the project is that 10,000 farmers will double their income (or earn USD 500 annually) by increased milk and milk products.