Yankho Dairy Cooperative Revolutionizing Milk Production and Markets in Chiradzulu
The cooperative has future plans to add value to their milk by producing various milk-based products, a move aimed at boosting profits and further advancing their cooperative enterprise.
Chiradzulu, Malawi — The dairy industry in Chiradzulu district, under the jurisdiction of Traditional Authority Mpama, has long grappled with challenges such as fluctuating markets and the use of local cow breeds that yield low milk production, writes Royal Kasiya.
These issues have not only hindered the growth of the dairy sector at the community level but have also impacted farmers' profits and, consequently, the nation's dairy industry.
To address these pressing concerns, Yankho Dairy Cooperative emerged as a local cooperative with a vision to boost milk production while facilitating access to reliable and readily available markets for small-scale dairy farmers in their community.
Raphael Mtakanya, the cooperative's chairperson, shared their mission: "Low milk production and unreliable markets are significant hurdles for most small-scale dairy farmers in our community. Farmers have been limited by the use of local cattle breeds, and the absence of dependable milk markets compounds the issue. This poses a significant threat not only to individual families but also to our community's economic well-being and the nation at large."
He continued, "Our goal is to enhance milk production and enable farmers to access dependable markets. Each of us contributed K114,000 to purchase improved breeds of dairy cattle. Furthermore, we sell the milk as a collective after negotiations with buyers to ensure reasonable pricing."
Since its inception, Yankho Dairy Cooperative has made a substantial impact in the community.
To date, the cooperative has acquired 76 improved dairy cattle breeds, which have been distributed among the 76 families comprising the cooperative.
Additionally, they have constructed modern cattle houses and have improved their individual families' economic status through milk sales.
Milliam Sanudi, a member of the cooperative, expressed her gratitude, saying, "I have benefited greatly from Yankho Cooperative. I now own improved dairy cattle, and through them, I am able to support my family by selling milk and utilizing the manure. Moreover, I've created job opportunities by employing someone to care for the cows."
Hendrix Zuze, another beneficiary, praised the cooperative's role in providing knowledge and skills on modern farming techniques, stating, "The cooperative has helped me acquire new knowledge and skills related to modern farming methods. It has also allowed me to achieve bumper crop yields by applying cow manure to my crops."
Village Headman Zimenyani commended the cooperative's efforts in elevating the community's economic status and improving the nutrition of its members, stating, "The cooperative is enhancing the living standards of people in my community, making them self-reliant. The milk they produce also provides essential nutrients, enabling them to lead healthy and productive lives."
Nevertheless, Yankho Dairy Cooperative has faced challenges, particularly related to insufficient capital to fully achieve its objectives.
To address this, members engage in village savings and loans, contributing funds for feed and vaccines to keep the cows healthy and maximize milk output.
Furthermore, the cooperative is grappling with the need to increase milk production while facing a shortage of storage facilities.
To overcome this challenge, they have been renting modern storage equipment like refrigerators to preserve milk before selling it.
Peter Njoka, the cooperative's treasurer, explained, "As milk is highly perishable, appropriate storage facilities are crucial to prevent spoilage.
Renting modern storage facilities has affected our enterprise's profits, but we are grateful for the progress we've made."
The cooperative has future plans to add value to their milk by producing various milk-based products, a move aimed at boosting profits and further advancing their cooperative enterprise.