The African Dairy Dream: An Interview with Carol Mburu of ESADA

With her background in business administration and a deep-seated passion for dairy development, Carol has been a driving force behind numerous projects at ESADA since 2012. Recently, she brought her wealth of experience to the vibrant stage of the 16th African Dairy Conference and Exhibition (AFDA) in Kampala, Uganda.

This five-day extravaganza, held at the iconic Hotel Africana from September 11th to 15th, 2023, drew over 700 participants from every corner of the globe. Under the theme "African Dairy More than Just Milk," AFDA celebrated the dairy sector's vital role in food security, poverty reduction, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Our conversation with Carol traverses through the AFDA experience, explores the challenges and opportunities that adorn the path of the Eastern and Southern African dairy industry, uncovers the instrumental role played by ESADA, and discusses the intriguing initiatives aimed at captivating and nurturing young talent. We'll also peer into the crystal ball of dairy's future in this region.

Q: How was your experience at AFDA in Kampala?

A: "It was quite the adventure, filled with successes and surprises. The conference sessions were so engaging that they often extended into the evening, thanks to the lively Q&A sessions. The exhibition also shone, showcasing innovative solutions that received rave reviews. It was undoubtedly a significant event."

Q: What makes AFDA so significant for the region?

A: "AFDA stands as the unrivaled international dairy event in Africa, dedicated exclusively to the dairy industry. The recent conference in Kampala had a spotlight on key trends and developments in the sector. It emphasized the critical role of technology and innovation in modernizing dairy production and increasing efficiency. Notably, there was a dedicated focus on promoting sustainability and eco-friendly practices across the entire value chain, with a dynamic session on climate-smart dairying."

Q: What challenges and opportunities does the Eastern and Southern African dairy industry face?

A: "This region is a treasure trove of dairy potential. Yet, it grapples with challenges like low milk production, significant post-harvest losses, limited market access, and weak institutional support. To overcome these, we must take advantage of opportunities like improving productivity, reducing losses, expanding market access, enhancing value addition, and building stronger institutional support."

Q: How is ESADA contributing to the dairy industry's development?

A: "ESADA plays a pivotal role in advocating for policies that nourish sector growth and promote intraregional trade. We're the hub for capacity-building and training, covering diverse facets of the dairy industry. Through knowledge-sharing events like AFDA, we foster networking and the dissemination of best practices."

Q: How is ESADA captivating and nurturing young talent in the dairy industry?

A: "The youth hold the key to the dairy industry's future, and we're opening doors for them. We are working with other development partners to create initiatives that are focused on empowering youths and women. We recently organized a farmers' exchange visit to Zimbabwe with 30 farmers. We were intentional about including youths and women in the delegation. Through initiatives like these, we

Q: How can the dairy industry in Eastern and Southern Africa become more sustainable and resilient?

A: "To build a robust and sustainable dairy industry, we must confront environmental and social challenges. We need strategies like climate-smart agriculture, embracing the circular economy, and ensuring social inclusion. These are the pillars of a resilient and eco-conscious future."

Q: What are your expectations for the future of the dairy industry in Eastern and Southern Africa?

A: "I'm brimming with optimism about the future of dairy in this region. I foresee a surge in demand, amplified supply, expanded trade, a wave of innovation, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability and inclusiveness. To turn these expectations into reality, collaboration and communication within the industry are our secret ingredients."

As our conversation with Carol winds down, she extends an open invitation to all to join the next AFDA in 2024. It's more than just a conference—it's a vibrant movement that fuels change, unity, and the blossoming of the African dairy sector. Don't miss the chance to be part of this exhilarating journey.