As part of the Regional Support Programme for Professional and Farmers’ Agricultural Organisations (PRAOP), Phase 3, and with the support of ECOWAS and Swiss Cooperation, the National Council of Livestock Farmers (CNMDE) has taken a new step in the development of the dairy sector by acquiring 20 mixed-breed dairy cattle, including 18 cows and 2 brood cows. The initiative, which has been running in the Thiès and Fatick regions since June 2023, aims to improve dairy productivity and stimulate job creation for young people and women.  

Thanks to these cattle, which have an average production capacity of 6 litres of milk per day, the beneficiary farms are seeing a significant increase in production. This has (i) increased weekly production by 756 liters of milk, helping to improve the availability of local milk, and (ii) generated monthly revenues estimated at 1,209,600 FCFA from the marketing of milk on the two farms.

Integrating these cows into the local farming system does more than just increase milk production. It also helps to create jobs, particularly for the young people and women who play a key rule in running the farms. To date, this initiative has led to the direct employment of 32 peoples, including 20 young people and women, responsible for caring for the animals, milking and managing the infrastructure and building the skills of the farmers.

The acquisition of cross-bred dairy cows is part of a wider vision to modernise dairy farming in Senegal and West Africa. By improving herd genetics and building farmers' capacities, CNMDE and its partners are laying the foundations for a sustainable, competitive and income generating dairy industry.