Tens of thousands of smallholder dairy farmers in Nandi County stand to benefit from improved feed access and higher milk yields following the launch of a major agriculture initiative backed by Heifer International.
The County Government of Nandi has officially joined Heifer International in rolling out the Transforming Yield Through Feed and Fodder Access in Dairy (TYFFAD) Project, a four-year initiative running from 2025 to 2029 that seeks to tackle one of the most persistent constraints in Kenya’s dairy sector: access to quality feed and fodder throughout the year.
The project targets approximately 50,000 farmers, and will directly benefit dairy farmers, fodder producers, fodder entrepreneurs and dairy cooperatives across the county.
Beyond the farm gate, TYFFAD is designed to strengthen the broader dairy value chain by engaging feed processors, financial institutions, private investors and both county and national government agencies as strategic partners in building a more resilient and productive dairy ecosystem.
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Kenya’s dairy sector supports more than 1.8 million smallholder households and contributes 4.5 percent of national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 14 percent of agricultural GDP and 44 percent of livestock GDP. Despite this, productivity remains below potential, with average yields at approximately 7.5 litres per cow per day, largely due to persistent challenges in feed and fodder systems.
TYFFAD seeks to address those gaps by promoting sustainable fodder production systems, strengthening value chains and improving productivity. The project will support farmers to better preserve feed, access quality inputs and connect to more reliable markets, while also exploring practical financing options, expanding access to mechanisation and using digital tools to provide farmers with timely advice.
A key focus of the initiative is creating economic opportunities for youth and women, who contribute significantly to the dairy sector but remain largely excluded from land ownership, credit and market access. The project is also expected to strengthen dairy cooperatives, improve year-round fodder availability, and support food security and economic growth across Nandi County.
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Nandi County is among seven key dairy-producing counties selected for TYFFAD’s implementation, alongside Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Laikipia, Nakuru and Narok. The initiative draws on support from research institutions, private sector players, and the cooperative movement.
The County Government of Nandi said it remains committed to working with development partners such as Heifer International to deliver sustainable agricultural solutions that empower farmers, strengthen cooperatives, and build resilient farming communities capable of driving the county’s agricultural transformation agenda.
By Benedict Aoya
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