Heifer International, Côte d’Ivoire sign MoU to boost dairy sector

CÔTE D’IVOIRE – The Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources of Côte d’Ivoire and Heifer International have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening the sustainable development of the Ivorian dairy sector.

It aims to strengthen the local milk value chain, a strategic lever for guaranteeing food sovereignty, improving the living conditions of producers, generating sustainable incomes and promoting youth employment.

The project aims to increase the use of locally sourced milk by 20% and to create 130,000 jobs for young people, with 70% of these positions designated for women and 5% for vulnerable groups. These targets reflect a commitment not only to economic growth but also to social inclusion and gender equity.

Through this collaboration, Heifer International will play a pivotal role in strengthening the capacities of dairy producers, with a particular focus on empowering women and youth.

The organisation will support the structuring and organisation of dairy cooperatives, promote technological and organisational innovations, and contribute to building a competitive and inclusive dairy sector that can thrive in both local and regional markets.

The initiative is backed by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented in partnership with FAM Advisory SAS and La Laiterie Du Berger, bringing together expertise and resources to ensure the project’s success.

This alliance reflects a shared vision to create a dynamic Ivorian dairy industry that generates value and jobs, while offering sustainable opportunities to future generations. Babacar sene, Agropasteur journal (Heifer International).

Heifer International partners Mott to boost solar energy in Uganda’s dairy sector

The news follows the announcement of a partnership among Heifer International, the Mott Foundation, and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to enhance solar energy access in Uganda’s dairy sector through the Distributed Renewable Energy Ecosystem Model (DREEM) HUB.

The DREEM HUB initiative, which will run from 2024 to 2026, aims to empower 1,500 dairy farmers and provide solar skills and entrepreneurship opportunities to 1,000 underserved youth and women in the Nakaseke District.

With a US$3 million investment, the project focuses on greening the dairy value chain, enhancing sustainable incomes, providing safe water access, and building climate resilience among smallholder farmers.

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