KALRO’s partnership with Greenfield International boosts smallholder productivity

KENYA – The Sustainable Dairy Farming initiative, led by KALRO in partnership with Teagasc and Greenfield International, is improving productivity, reducing costs, and strengthening farmer resilience by combining adaptive breeding, climate-resilient forage systems, and institutional innovation

In Kenya, over 1.8 million smallholder farmers produce more than 80% of the country’s milk, yet productivity remains low due to high feed costs, poor forage systems, and weak links between research and farmers.

The initiative is addressing constraints such as high feed costs, poor forage systems, and weak links between research and farmers, by promoting forage-based dairy systems capable of supplying over 90% of animal nutritional needs.

At its core is an innovative model that connects research, extension, and farmers through Dairy Innovation Support Units and cooperative-led Farm Innovation and Learning Hubs.

Key achievements includedemonstrating how improved forages can double milk yields, resulting in higher farmer incomes and increased milk supply to cooperatives.

Additionally, increased farm incomes are positively impacting household income and are being reinvested locally, stimulating rural economies and creating sustained incentives for continued technology adoption.

Farmer Innovation and Learning Hubs and co-operative-supported networks continue to support knowledge exchange, sustaining peer-to-peer adoption beyond the project’s direct reach.

The project demonstrates a scalable model for dairy transformation, delivering improved productivity, climate resilience, and value chain integration.

KARLO unveils new high-yield hybrid cow to boost dairy sector

In 2025, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) introduced a new hybrid dairy cow developed by crossing the high-yielding Friesian breed with the hardy indigenous Sahiwal.

The new breed is expected to produce more milk, offer improved quality, and demonstrate stronger resistance to common livestock diseases — a breakthrough aimed at transforming Kenya’s dairy sector.

Speaking in Kinoro, Igoji West, South Imenti, Meru, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the innovation is part of a long-term national plan to improve dairy productivity and enhance farmers’ earnings across the country.

Kagwe noted that although Meru County consistently ranks among the highest milk-producing regions in Kenya, farmers continue to incur substantial losses due to inadequate storage facilities that lead to milk spoilage.

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