The Dairy Farming course provides farmers, extension officers, and agripreneurs with practical knowledge and skills to establish and manage productive, profitable, and sustainable dairy enterprises. Developed by experts from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), the course integrates scientific research findings and proven field practices that enhance milk yield, animal health, and overall farm profitability.
Kenya’s dairy sector is one of the most dynamic in Africa, yet many smallholder farmers face challenges related to feeding, breeding, animal health, and milk handling. This course addresses these gaps through easy-to-follow training videos and demonstrations that guide farmers from herd establishment to milk marketing.
Learners will gain knowledge and skills to:
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Select suitable dairy breeds (e.g., Friesian, Ayrshire, Guernsey, Jersey, and crossbreeds) for different production systems and climatic zones.
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Design and construct proper animal housing and handling facilities.
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Formulate and manage balanced feeding programs using locally available feed resources.
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Implement effective breeding and reproductive management practices.
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Identify, prevent, and control common diseases such as mastitis, foot-and-mouth disease, and tick-borne illnesses.
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Practice good milking hygiene, milk handling, and storage to ensure quality and safety.
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Manage farm records, business planning, and collective marketing through cooperatives or farmer organizations.
The course emphasizes climate-smart and sustainable dairy management, including fodder production, manure utilization, and integration of renewable energy systems such as biogas.
By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the skills to improve milk productivity, animal welfare, and farm profitability, thereby contributing to food security, rural livelihoods, and the growth of Kenya’s dairy value chain in line with KALRO’s mission to promote innovation-driven agriculture.
