Introducing the dairy experts from PUM

Gerrit Jan Brummelman is PUM’s sector coordinator for Dairy & Beef Cattle, Sheep & Goat Production. The pool of experts consists of vets, farmers, teachers and consultants, allowing PUM to match experts with most dairy production requests. All of PUM’s Dairy experts are skilled in using the Rumen8 feed software and completed the CowSignals training. Applications from dairy processors are directed to PUM’s experts for Milk Processing and Products.

Brummelman: “PUM has secured funding for the upcoming years, but the challenge lies in broadening our perspective.PUM’s new WHY extends beyond supporting individual entrepreneurs. We aim for more impact by developing the ecosystem around these entrepreneurs. Our focus is on developing the dairy value chain, particularly benefiting small-scale farmers. This means coordinating efforts with other organisations working on dairy development.

That is why I am a fan of NEADAP. I see opportunities for collaboration regarding the tools and solutions developed by this partnership, which can make a significant difference for the Dairy sector in Africa.”

Dairy Cooperatives Uganda

PUM has been asked to develop a fusion plan for six small dairy cooperatives in the Busoga area of Uganda. These cooperatives faced challenges due to their small size, which prevented them to become more professional and provide accurate services to their members. PUM drafted a plan outlining how to re-structure the organisation, identify a capable CEO and start their own processing. From an economic perspective, PUM’s experts observed that the infrastructure in the region was poor compared to Western Uganda. Therefore a collaboration with the hotel sector was initiated to promote BUSOGA milk. Unfortunately, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the plans.

Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers

In Zimbabwe, PUM started a collaboration with the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers (ZADF). Beyond providing technical advice on dairy production, PUM is assisting the organisation in becoming more professional. A team of four experts is continuously in contact with ZADF. In collaboration with them, we are starting a blended learning pilot programme together with AERES. The aim is to train seven extension workers at ZADF to become coaches in the technical modules for their members.

Rumen8

One of our Dairy experts advised a farmer on the basic level of the Rumen8 software application which is designed to manage dairy cattle diets, improving animal nutrition and production while reducing costs. He used the colours and convinced the farmer to adjust the ration. Within two weeks, the cows’ milk production increased from 10 to 14 litres per day.

In Ethiopia PUM experts advised a private fund on how to organise the Dairy sector with the aim of enhancing the well-being of the rural communities. This involved the design and implementation of a pilot farm. In the next stap, PUM will establish connections with educational institutions to further develop this initiative.

Projects in Asia

Also in Asia, PUM experts work on various Dairy projects:

• Indo Dutch Centre of Excellence in Dairying – INDUCED (https://www.linkedin.com/compa...)
• Training of trainers on Modern Dairy Farming, Dinajpur, Bangladesh.
• Training farmers to train other farmers in Nepal.

Collaboration

Brummelman: “Traditionally, PUM has excelled in technical expertise shared by our volunteers, and that remains our core strength. We frequently receive requests from NEADAP core partners like SNV and Agriterra to support dairy cooperatives. PUM can deliver the expertise, but the other organisations are often stronger in running long-term programmes, also because they have a presence in the countries.”

PUM therefore fosters a robust collaboration with NEADAP partners and other companies, using the NEADAP tools collectively. The aim is to start working together with all (NEADAP) partners with almost the same modules.

Back in the 1980s, Brummelman began his career in development aid and later transitioned into development collaboration. Looking ahead, he believes the focus should shift into working more and more in equal partnerships: “This means aligning Dutch organisations and businesses with African counterparts to jointly address challenges. Our common goal should be to establish a resilient food system that benefits both Africa and Europe, with the dairy sector being the stimulator for this transformation.”

Recently, the Dutch parliament presented its new Africa Strategy. The situation in West Africa underscores the need for food autonomy. Brummelman: “Why not initiate ‘NEWADAP’ to catalyse positive change in the Dairy sector in West Africa?”