Jersey Dairy Expertise Enhances Zambian Farming Through Strategic Partnership

A partnership leveraging Jersey's renowned dairy breed is significantly impacting Zambian agricultural communities. Zambia's High Commissioner to the UK, Her Excellency Ms. Macenje Mazoka, highlighted the initiative's success during her visit to Jersey. Accompanied by economic counsellor Kasalika Mwansa Mulenga, Ms. Mazoka attended the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society Summer Show as a guest of the Society and Jersey Overseas Aid.

The Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) funds two major dairy programs in Zambia in collaboration with the RJA&HS. These programs focus on providing training, technical support, and genetic enhancement to bolster smallholder dairy farming. The Jersey cow, known for thriving in warmer climates while efficiently producing high-quality milk, has proven particularly effective in Zambia.

The partnership currently supports over 8,500 farmers throughout the country. Ms. Mazoka praised the efforts, stating, "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."

David Hambrook, head of international dairy development at RJA&HS, emphasized the importance of the projects, noting their role in enhancing dairy productivity, nutrition, and household income among smallholder farmers in Zambia. The initiative builds on Jersey's global reputation in dairy expertise.

The visit precedes the upcoming African Jersey Forum conference, scheduled to occur in Zambia later this year. This event will gather dairy specialists from across the region, further strengthening ties and knowledge sharing in the dairy sector.