A recent project aims to address the nutrition gap of cross-bred dairy cattle in Uganda. Led by Prof. Veerle Fievez, the project focuses on utilizing circular and carbon-sequestering local feed resources. It involves collaboration between Makerere University’s Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI), Ento Organic Farm Ltd, and Ghent University in Belgium. The project commenced with an inception meeting held on February 8, 2024, at the Grand Global Hotel in Kampala, Uganda.
Dairy farming holds significant economic, nutritional, and employment importance in various regions of Uganda, including the southwestern, central, and northeastern parts of the country. It contributes substantially to the agricultural GDP and overall GDP, playing a crucial role in Uganda’s development agendas such as NDP III and Uganda Vision 2040. Despite its importance, the dairy sector faces challenges such as livestock diseases, limited access to extension services, and inadequate investments in feed resources. These issues hinder the sector’s potential for growth and improvement.
The project is a response to the observed challenges in Uganda’s dairy sector. Dairy cattle often produce less milk than expected due to insufficient feeding practices. Thus, the project aims to enhance feed quantity and quality to boost milk production and consequently increase household incomes. Makerere University, along with its partners, seeks to implement a two-year project designed specifically to address these challenges and close the nutrition gap of cross-bred dairy cattle in Uganda.
Prof. Veerle Fievez from Ghent University leads the project with support from various stakeholders. In Uganda, Prof. Fred Kabi coordinates the project at Makerere University’s Department of Agricultural Production (DAP). Other key members include Mr. Pius Lutakome, a PhD student and Lecturer at DAP, Makerere University; Dr. Susan Diana Kerfua and Mr. Denis Asizua from NaLIRRI, and Mr. Martin Tenywa from Ento Organic Farm Ltd. The project aims to share scientific insights, co-create knowledge with stakeholders along the dairy value chain, and develop sustainable solutions to enhance dairy cattle nutrition.
The inception meeting held on February 8, 2024, served as a platform to initiate discussions on global challenges related to circular feeds in dairy cattle nutrition. It aimed to outline the project’s goals, objectives, and expected outcomes, as well as to clarify implementation arrangements and stakeholders’ roles. Prof. Veerle Fievez presented strategies for utilizing circular and carbon-sequestering local feed resources, while Mr. Pius Lutakome shared insights from his research on crossbreed dairy cows in grazing systems of Western Uganda. Additionally, focused group discussions were conducted to assess current feed and feeding practices of dairy cows in Uganda, providing valuable insights for the project’s implementation.
Dr. Prossy Isubikalu from Makerere University moderated the discussions, ensuring productive engagement among participants. Stakeholders from various sectors, including local government representatives, researchers, and members of the dairy value chain, actively participated in shaping the project’s direction. Through collaborative efforts and knowledge exchange, the project aims to contribute to sustainable dairy cattle production practices and ultimately improve the livelihoods of dairy farmers in Uganda.
