Kenya: Report Recommends Revival of Cooperatives to Boost Dairy Farming in Kakamega

Posted on : Wednesday, 17th September 2014

A task force has recommended the revival of cooperative societies and opening of new ones to spur dairy farming in Kakamega county.

The task force on dairy farming wants Kakamega Dairy Cooperative Society converted into a limited liability company, owned by farmers and other stakeholders to streamline marketing of dairy products.

The report says a vibrant cooperative movement will ensure strong collective bargaining and adoption of new innovations to increase milk production.

The team was appointed by Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.

He unveiled the report two weeks ago ad said his government is committed to ensuring full implementation of its recommendations.

The team said failure by local leaders to adopt dairy farming discourages farmers in the county.

"There is a perception among dairy farmers in Kakamega that grade cows can only be reared by rich and wealthy people, which must change," reads the report.

The team recommended a partnership between the county government, private investors, farmers' groups and the Kenya National Genetic Resource Centre to establish an artificial insemination centre.