The Embassy of the Netherlands through the SNV Inclusive Dairy Enterprise (TIDE) that was closed out at the end of November, impacted on over 22,600 farmers in 130 cooperatives across southwestern Uganda through knowledge and skill empowerment.

For years, Ugandan dairy farmers grappled with a multitude of challenges impeding their milk productivity. Issues such as inadequate water supply, substandard forages, outdated fodder production technology, high feed costs, a shortage of skilled labour, fluctuating milk prices, and a lack of practical knowledge among cattle keepers, coupled with climate-related challenges, collectively hindered the potential transition of these farmers from mere cattle keeping to a more lucrative dairy farming business. 

The Embassy of The Kingdom of the Netherlands launched the TIDE project in 2016. This initiative has significantly contributed to overcoming the longstanding challenges faced by dairy farmers in the region. The project was spread over 22,600 farmers across 139 cooperatives, with a total investment by farmers amounting to sh12.1 b. 

This saw a remarkable 58% increase in milk volumes purchased under quality-based payment systems by processors, indicating improved overall milk quality and production. 

The project also created 1,242 additional jobs in rural areas, fostering economic growth and sustainability within the community in addition to reaching out to 922,779 children through the school milk and yoghurt programme.

This not only established a stable internal school milk market but also resulted in the daily consumption of 125,500 liters of milk, valued at an impressive annual sales value of sh33.6b. 

Phomolo Maphosa, the SNV's Country Director in Uganda says that they have been working with various local service providers and supporting over 22,600 farmers across 139 cooperatives, resulting in an annual milk production increase from 79.3 million liters in 2020 to 149.4 million liters in 2023 (close to 90% increase). 

“These achievements were a collective effort. We collaborated closely with various stakeholders and partners,” Phomolo said.

Rev. Canon Duncan Muguma, the Commissioner of Ministry of Education and Sports highlighted that they found it important to partner with SNV. 

"Through the partnership, school proprietors were sensitised and this led to the adoption of the school milk program in the schools around the country. The programme also supported infrastructure development. There have been benefits in school performance, fostering and nurturing positive values for milk production, and participation in collaborative stakeholder undertakings," he said.