Initiative for Sustainable Landscapes - ISLA IV (Dairy)

The new phase of the Livestock Intensification Project (January 2023 to December 2024) is a component of the larger Initiative for Sustainable Landscapes (ISLA) Programme, which is led by IDH and its partners in the Southwestern Mau region. The project's goal is to restore and conserve 60,000 hectares of the Mau Forest by 2030. The Livestock Intensification initiative, which will operate within the framework of the ISLA Programme, will focus specifically on the dairy sector.

The project is implemented by SNV in Kenya and is funded by IDH, the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), and James Finlay Kenya (JFK). Its main goal is to help 3,000 smallholder farmers in Kericho and Nakuru counties.

Approach

SNV has developed an alternative model for livestock production and intensification that helps reduce grazing pressure on forests while increasing the income of livestock farmers and communities. The model also focuses on establishing input and output markets that enable community members to access reliable inputs and markets for their livestock products.

Project focus areas

• Capacity enhancement through establishing an extension function into the Dairy Cooperative.

• Promoting Business Development Services (BDS) and facilitating access to inputs and services.

• Mentoring five dairy cooperatives on best management practices and supporting them to expand their catchment and increase ownership by participating farmers.

• Supporting dairy cooperatives in developing operating systems, policies, and standard operating procedures.

Expected results

• Improved profitability of the five dairy cooperatives, where each will evolve into a profitable, sustainable, and professionally managed agribusiness centre.

• Adoption of dairy intensification practices and reduced forest grazing.

• Enhanced farmers’ access to better milk markets, extension, financial and input services.

• Increased dairy production and productivity for 3,000 smallholder farmers.

• Increased household income for 3,000 farmers (enabling environment)

• Enhanced rural development and landscape conservation.

• Establishing a functional extension department with trained extension officers in each of the five dairy cooperatives.