Exploring dairy extension in East Africa

Our approach had three steps:

1. We first conducted a broad survey (Nov 2022 to Jan 2023)

In Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia, local dairy experts helped us disseminate the survey in our network. We also used the snowball method where initial respondents provided leads to others. We received 216 replies, among the respondents were 42 cooperatives, 41 input suppliers, 39 consultants, 13 processors, 11 financial institutions and 7 digital platforms. The survey asked the professionals about critical success factors for a sustainable dairy advisory service.

2. We then did case studies (Feb 2023 to Apr 2023)

In Uganda and Kenya, we selected 3 case studies for each main type of advisory service identified, 18 cases in total. The 5 Capabilities framework was used to design a self-assessment questionnaire about the constraints and the critical success factors.

3. We held workshops (March 2023 to April 2023)

The findings from the survey and case studies were validated during stakeholder workshops attended by a subset of the case study respondents and with key informants. Six workshops were organised, one for each category of dairy advisory service.

Looking back, the 216 respondents are a rich sample. The respondents were engaged in multiple activities and described their organisations' strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Examples of strengths are experienced staff and client relations, while weaknesses include funding and business model. Investments in the dairy sector are an opportunity, but high operational costs for extension services are a threat.

The conclusions from this exploration are:

• Dairy cooperatives, input suppliers, public service and consultancies dominate dairy advisory services.
• New forms of advisory services are emerging: such as digital platforms and financial institutions, particularly in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
• Fragility: The weak business model of dairy advisory services is their main weakness, and they have challenges in accessing resources
• Strength: Experienced staff, networking and stakeholder engagement are critical success factors.
• Support for dairy advisory services should prioritize the soft skills: communication of extension messages, business models and networks.

Building on this exploration, our next ambition is to explore strategies for an extension service ecosystem. This refers to exchange, learning and coordination between different types of extension providers. This may foster a sustainable and impactful extension service for dairy farmers in East Africa.

Acknowledgement:

The NEADAP team would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the following individuals and organizations who contributed significantly to the successful completion of this research : Peter Kalinda (Uganda), Esperance Niyonsaba and Privat Barajenguye (Burundi), Kipchirchir Julius Kosgei (Kenya), Target Business consultants (Ethiopia), Dr John Baptist Musemakweli (Rwanda), Paschal Lala Tekwi (Tanzania). We would also like to extend our thanks to all the team members who worked behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth execution of this research. Your collaboration and commitment have been crucial to the accomplishment of this study. Last but not least, we are deeply grateful to all the participants who took the time to engage in our survey. Without your valuable input, this research would not have been possible. Your willingness to share your perspectives and experiences is sincerely appreciated.