Sh14b project to cushion dairy farmers against climate change-related losses

KAMPALA - Dairy farmers from 15 districts in Uganda are set to benefit from a $4 million (about shillings 13.4 billion) project to cushion them against climate change-related losses, New Vision Online has learnt.

Under the project, farmers are to be equipped with climate change mitigation measures to remain productive in the face of climate change.

This will be possible through the Green Dairy Investment Program (GDI) project funded by aBi Development and implemented by Heifer International.

The GDI project is part of aBi’s Green Agrifood Systems Programme (GRASP), a five-year programme, funded by the Royal Danish Embassy and the EU, which is focused on developing Uganda's green agri-food systems.

In the dairy sector, the project aims to transform existing dairy hubs into resilient, inclusive, and economically viable platforms by promoting green agribusiness investments and technologies.

Moses Nyabila, the chief executive officer of aBi Development.

The initiative will further support the development of governments ten-year dairy sustainability roadmap to guide green investment.

During the project inception meeting that took place on February 26, 2026, at Fairway Hotel in Kampala city, Moses Nyabila, the chief executive officer of aBi Development, said the project will focus on two areas: Building solar powered milk collection centres, installing water for production systems and growing and conserving fodder or animal feeds, enough to last the dairy farmer the dry season.

The other intervention is to support the Government in developing the 10 dairy investment plans with a focus on green investments.

The above interventions, according to Nyabila, are aimed at transforming the lives of smallholder farmers.

William Matovu, the Heifer Country Director remarks.

“We should be able to triple our productivity per cow and income that comes to the farmer,” Nyabila said.

At the launch, Samson Akankiza Mpiira, the commissioner dairy development in the agriculture ministry, welcomed the initiative, adding that it completes the task of the ministry through the 10-fold growth strategy.

We are looking at having value and sustainability of the sector. This meeting is timely, adding that it helps them manage climate change for the sustainable dairy industry in Uganda.

William Matovu, the Country Director for Heifer International, explained that project will focus on central and south western Uganda through the greening value chain.