Acholi farmers get 62 heifers to boost their livelihood

Akello, a beneficiary says she has been selling at least 15 liters of milk per day and hopes to double her sales with the support.

By Okot Lil Romeo

Gulu – 13, December 2021: At least 44 dairy farmers in Acholi sub region have received over 62 heifer cows to boost their livelihood.

Countryside Harvester a farmer led local organization operating in Northern Uganda. It has given the livestock to the selected farmers to invest in dairy production in the region.

The support is part of a shs5 billion UK funded project on animal production and poultry farming through the British Council. The project will be running for the next 5 years.

TND News understands that he support was directed through a joint venture where each group of at least three [3] individuals contributed between shs666, 000 to shs710, 000 as commitment before receiving the animals.

Everline Akello, a farmer from Paicho sub-county in Gulu district revealed they spent shs660, 000 on a joint venture to acquire three heifer cows.

Akello also revealed she had spent 15 years in dairy farming. “The support will increase my milk production to enhance my livelihoods.”

Akello has been selling at least 15 liters of milk per day to the local community and hopes to double her sales with the support.

Lilly Lakareber, another beneficiary from Awach sub-county in Gulu district said her group members invested shs710, 000 to the organization and enrolled for animal production and management course for three months before receiving the animals.

Some farmers whose enterprises have been selected and trained on animal production and management are yet to receive a similar support until March next year [2022].

Richard Odong, a farmer from Parwech parish in Lakwana sub-county, Omoro district said his group completed the basic requirements for the support but was told to wait for the next consignment.

Felix Omara is the Operation Manager of Countryside Harvester. He told TND News the organization has received 182 applications across Acholi sub-region which has been approved for the support.

123 of the groups have so been supported, according to Omara. He noted that the beneficiaries will be supported in phases.

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“The organization have spent more than shs300 million in the first and second phases which was launched in August this year.”

Labert Ocola is the Acting Veterinary Officer Gulu City and he has advised the beneficiaries to carry on a routine monitoring and inspection of animals from ticks and diseases.

His colleague, Charles Obalim a Veterinary Doctor of Gulu district urged the farmers to provide enough feeds to their animals to enable them produce high quality milk.

He explained that each dairy cow needs to eat between 45 kilograms and 75 kilograms of feeds depending on the size of the heifer cow. This, he says, will keep the animal healthy and productive.

At least 25,000 people from the Lango, Acholi and West Nile sub regions are to benefit from the project.