By Vision Reporter
Dairy Farmers’ Network has been recognised among the winners in the special category in the 2024 Best Farmers competition.
The announcement was made at Vision Group head offices during the 2024 Best Farmers’ Awards on Thursday, December 11.
Learning from the financial mistakes that led to the collapse of the cooperatives that existed in the 1990s, the Dairy Farmers’ Network (DAFAN), first improved members’ production and productivity.
Dr Patrick Sekimpi, the chairman of the network explains that they knew the challenges that led to the collapse of the cooperatives that existed in the early days mainly finance management where leaders were misusing the funds for their gains.
It was established to promote a practical farmer-oriented dairy farming network geared towards producing safe, quality-assured products in a sustainable manner that underpins the future of the dairy farming industry in Uganda.
According to Ssekimpi, the network has a membership of over 500 dairy farmers (49% female, 10% youth) spread countrywide, who are grouped into clusters.
There are 20 clusters with over 50 members in each cluster
DAFAN has an executive committee which consists of a chairperson, vice chairperson, general secretary and zone/cluster leaders who represent different areas where farmers hail.
The zone/cluster leaders help in the mobilization of members but also pass information and resolutions from the executive to the members as well as bringing members’ concerns to the executive committee.
Prof. (Dr) Jolly Kabirizi, a zone leader for Entebbe and an expert in livestock feeding and feeds management explains that the network has a membership of over 500 dairy farmers.
It operates in the districts of Mukono, Buikwe, Mpigi, Luweero, Nakaseke, Lira, Gulu, Nakasongola, Kampala, Jinja, Mityana, Kyenjojo, Mbarara, Wakiso, Kayunga and others.
“To become a member, one must be a dairy farmer. After passing the verification process that you are a dairy farmer, one pays sh150,000 at registration and an annual fee of sh100,000 for the smooth running of the group and ensure growth,” Dr Kabirizi says.
DAFAN members hold monthly meetings to discuss dairy farming challenges, and interventions and to plan activities for group members.
The meetings are held on a member’s farm or at a research institute/ training hall. An expert is invited to train members on a given topic about dairy farming.
“We opened out a workshop which is open to all farmers and youths including to those who are not members although members are given a discount. After the meeting, members visit the farm or research institute to share ideas on dairy cattle management, nutrition, disease control, record keeping as well as breeds and breeding, among others,” Namabiro says.
Dr Ssekimpi explains that members have a savings account to boost their farm activities. In addition, they have formed a SACCOS where each DAFAN member is free to join. Each SACCOS member is expected to save at least sh150,000 every month.
This money is used to purchase inputs like machinery, pasture seeds and drugs, among others, at wholesale prices and sold to members. The profit earned is used to run the centre, but also to pay a dividend to the SACCOS members.
This is the ninth year running that Vision Group, together with the Embassy of the Netherlands, KLM Airlines, dfcu Bank and Koudijs Animal Nutrition, are running the Best Farmers competition. The 2024 competition run from March to November, culminating in today’s awards ceremony.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Dairy Farmers’ Network co-operative receiving their award during the 2024 Best Farmers Awards. Photos by Moses Nsubuga
