More than 8,500 farmers in Zambia are now benefiting from an Island-backed programme built around one of the Island’s most famous exports… the Jersey cow.
The initiative, funded by Jersey Overseas Aid and delivered by the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society (RJAHS), aims to help farming families increase milk production, improve nutrition and boost household incomes.
It’s a project that was in the spotlight this month as Zambia’s High Commissioner to the UK visited Jersey to see the partnership first-hand.
Why Jersey cows?
Jersey cattle are regarded as particularly well suited to small-scale farming in Zambia.
According to the RJA&HS, the breed offers high-quality milk, adapts well to warmer climates and requires less feed than many larger dairy breeds.
Those characteristics make Jersey cows an attractive option for farmers looking to improve productivity without significantly increasing costs.
What does the project actually do?
The programme is not just about supplying cattle, with active engagement with communities a key element.
Jersey-funded projects provide farmers with training, technical support and access to improved dairy genetics. The overall aim is to build a stronger dairy sector that can provide reliable incomes and better nutrition for rural communities.
The RJA&HS is currently running two major projects in Zambia – the Jersey Dairy Development in Zambia project and the Copperbelt Dairy Expansion project – under an agreement between the governments of Jersey and Zambia.
How many people are benefiting?
According to Jersey Overseas Aid, the partnership now supports more than 8,500 farmers across Zambia.
Julia Hulme, Vice-Chair of Jersey Overseas Aid, said the projects demonstrate how investment in dairy farming can have a significant impact on rural communities.
“Thanks to the generosity of islanders, JOA supports more than 8,500 farmers in Zambia,” she said.
“This long-term partnership demonstrates that investing in dairy innovation is one of the most effective ways to improving both household income and nutrition in rural communities.”
During her recent visit to Jersey, which involved attending the RJAHS summer show, Zambia’s High Commissioner to the UK, Her Excellency Ms Macenje Mazoka, praised the partnership.
“We value the commitment shown by Jersey Overseas Aid and its partners, and we believe this collaboration continues to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable agricultural development, improved livelihoods, and food security in Zambia,” she said.
Reflecting on the visit, David Hambrook, Head of International Dairy for Development, RJA&HS said it was “positive to see dairy take centre stage” during the recent visit and a “pleasure to showcase the RJA&HS’ and JOA’s Dairy for Development projects, which proudly builds on Jersey’s world-renowned expertise as the home of the Jersey breed”.
“Through this expertise, we are enabling smallholder farmers in Zambia to boost dairy productivity, improve nutrition, and strengthen household incomes. We are confident the partnership between Jersey and Zambia is making a real difference to families and communities.”
What’s next?
The partnership is set to take another step forward in September, when Zambia hosts the African Jersey Forum conference and farmer visits programme.
The JOA said the event will “present another important opportunity for strengthening the partnership between Jersey and Zambia, as well as regional knowledge exchange and sharing best practice in dairy development”.
