Rwanda Dairy delegation finds Inspiration in Uganda

The TIDE programme is implemented by SNV, Agriterra Uganda and partners. TIDE is focused on deepening and up-scaling the dairy sector transformation by providing knowledge and skills training to dairy farmers and service providers.

In South Western Uganda, the dairy sector transformation started in 2015, following public investments in milk collection infrastructure, cooperative development, and sector-wide introduction of extension services. This led to increased milk volumes and improved milk quality entering the formal dairy chain. Today, most dairy cooperatives in the TIDE area of influence are still modest in the number of members, but they developed into farmer-led businesses with multiple complementary business cases. In addition, private processors joined the dairy business boom and offered extension services. In this area, NEADAP and TIDE piloted the Quality-Based Milk Payment System, which incentivizes farmers and their cooperatives to supply the highest quality milk possible.

The Rwanda team had four intensive visits and meetings with dairy stakeholders in the area. They visited a dairy cooperative, a small and a big dairy processor, the Dairy Development Authority, local governments, an investor and a research institute

The trip concluded with a learning session, comparing the Ugandan milk shed with the situation in Rwanda. The role of dedicated extension stands out, with a key role for learning at practical (model) farms, that combine their business with paid learning activities for groups. Dedicated extension to dairy farmers can be provided by authorities, cooperatives and processors, each contributing to sector transformation.