15
improver. In the proposed new phase, we will continue system research both on the
technical and social aspects of this technology. This work is important, as studies on
the value of bio-slurry, both as a soil improver and for plant protection, are presently
lacking. Furthermore, in “controversial” new biogas plants, a possibility exists for
including human waste. Research is required on this technology to establish whether
such an option will be culturally acceptable. The sale of hay by farmers in the
Njombe region as a cash crop is also an innovation.
Before starting, extension staff from Njombe participating in the EPINAV-CA
project visited and learned from practicing farmers in Zambia. Upon returning to
Tanzania, unlike in Zambia, farmers decided to keep dairy cows as a core part of the
system. To improve fertility of the poor soils in Njombe, farmers add bio-slurry,
lime, and specific soil type-adapted mineral fertilizer (Yara). This integrated system
has provided households with clean energy and income from milk. Furthermore, the
unique combination of inputs has increased crop yields by two- to threefold. As
vegetable production is no longer seasonal in Njombe, positive outcomes such as
improved health status and increased household incomes are evident. Our studies
have demonstrated that Njombe farmers now produce more food per area of land.
Because of this, farmers are increasingly establishing own woodlots, which in turn
are diminishing the pressure on existing forest reserves.
Professional dairy manufacturing is a vital link in securing a functioning market for milk products. Granarolo and Cefa Dairy Companies (both based in Italy)
jointly with NGOs established the Njombe Milk Factory in 2004. Today the collaborating dairy farmers are shareholders in the company, which distributes milk,
yoghurt, and cheeses both locally and nationally. Through our collaboration with
the Njombe Milk Factory, we have focused on farmer training as a means for
improved management, particularly during the dry season. Improving feeding and
milk quality is an important element in securing economic sustainability, by
allowing the factory to operate at full capacity for longer periods of the year.
According to research conducted by Roma Tre University, the income levels of
the 800 livestock farmers delivering milk to the dairy have increased by on average 140% over a 3-year period. The use of “farmer-to-farmer” training has proven
highly successful in introducing new technologies to other farmers in Njombe as
well as in other parts of Tanzania. Yara has already made use of Njombe project
information in international marketing campaigns. In Malawi, a REDCAP project, funded under the CABMACC program in Linthipe (Dedza), introduced and
promoted new technologies among dairy farmers under the Dzaonewekha Milk
Bulking Group (soon to be a registered cooperative). This dairy cooperative
included the development and use of balanced total mixed rations to meet nutrient
requirements and reduce carbon emissions, growing of improved pasture, use of
artificial insemination, and community animal health workers/volunteers. These
technologies have helped farmers to increase milk yield from 4 to 12 liters per
day. Despite this improvement, more needs to be done to attain the full potential
of milk yields. The farmers were also assisted with a homogenizer so that they can
process, package, and sell their milk themselves for increased profitability instead
of going through an intermediary.
Agricultural and Natural Resource Sustainability Under Changing Climate in Africa
improver. In the proposed new phase, we will continue system research both on the
technical and social aspects of this technology. This work is important, as studies on
the value of bio-slurry, both as a soil improver and for plant protection, are presently
lacking. Furthermore, in “controversial” new biogas plants, a possibility exists for
including human waste. Research is required on this technology to establish whether
such an option will be culturally acceptable. The sale of hay by farmers in the
Njombe region as a cash crop is also an innovation.
Before starting, extension staff from Njombe participating in the EPINAV-CA
project visited and learned from practicing farmers in Zambia. Upon returning to
Tanzania, unlike in Zambia, farmers decided to keep dairy cows as a core part of the
system. To improve fertility of the poor soils in Njombe, farmers add bio-slurry,
lime, and specific soil type-adapted mineral fertilizer (Yara). This integrated system
has provided households with clean energy and income from milk. Furthermore, the
unique combination of inputs has increased crop yields by two- to threefold. As
vegetable production is no longer seasonal in Njombe, positive outcomes such as
improved health status and increased household incomes are evident. Our studies
have demonstrated that Njombe farmers now produce more food per area of land.
Because of this, farmers are increasingly establishing own woodlots, which in turn
are diminishing the pressure on existing forest reserves.
Professional dairy manufacturing is a vital link in securing a functioning market for milk products. Granarolo and Cefa Dairy Companies (both based in Italy)
jointly with NGOs established the Njombe Milk Factory in 2004. Today the collaborating dairy farmers are shareholders in the company, which distributes milk,
yoghurt, and cheeses both locally and nationally. Through our collaboration with
the Njombe Milk Factory, we have focused on farmer training as a means for
improved management, particularly during the dry season. Improving feeding and
milk quality is an important element in securing economic sustainability, by
allowing the factory to operate at full capacity for longer periods of the year.
According to research conducted by Roma Tre University, the income levels of
the 800 livestock farmers delivering milk to the dairy have increased by on average 140% over a 3-year period. The use of “farmer-to-farmer” training has proven
highly successful in introducing new technologies to other farmers in Njombe as
well as in other parts of Tanzania. Yara has already made use of Njombe project
information in international marketing campaigns. In Malawi, a REDCAP project, funded under the CABMACC program in Linthipe (Dedza), introduced and
promoted new technologies among dairy farmers under the Dzaonewekha Milk
Bulking Group (soon to be a registered cooperative). This dairy cooperative
included the development and use of balanced total mixed rations to meet nutrient
requirements and reduce carbon emissions, growing of improved pasture, use of
artificial insemination, and community animal health workers/volunteers. These
technologies have helped farmers to increase milk yield from 4 to 12 liters per
day. Despite this improvement, more needs to be done to attain the full potential
of milk yields. The farmers were also assisted with a homogenizer so that they can
process, package, and sell their milk themselves for increased profitability instead
of going through an intermediary.
Agricultural and Natural Resource Sustainability Under Changing Climate in Africa