The rise of agri-contractors and silage-making services in East Africa

Bles Dairies East Africa (BDEA), in partnership with NEADAP, has taken the lead in this transformative initiative. Recognizing the changing landscape of the dairy industry, BDEA trained the first cohort of agri-contractors, equipped with the skills and knowledge to offer silage-making services to dairy farmers. The goal: to ensure that every major milk shed across East Africa benefits from this innovative approach.

Silage, a crucial element of zero or semi-zero-grazing systems, helps dairy farmers conserve feed during dry seasons. The transition to more intensive practices is necessary due to shrinking land availability. BDEA has delved into researching the silage-making process, optimizing its nutritional value, and developing cost-effective business models for agri-contracting services.

Silage, a crucial element of zero or semi-zero-grazing systems, helps dairy farmers conserve feed during dry seasons. The transition to more intensive practices is necessary due to shrinking land availability. BDEA has delved into researching the silage-making process, optimizing its nutritional value, and developing cost-effective business models for agri-contracting services.

The impact of this initiative has already begun to manifest. Agro Contracting Service partners in Kenya now provide comprehensive training and support for all fodder production and harvesting stages. The success of this model has sparked interest in replicating it in other East African countries, such as Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.

One notable success story is the 'machinery sharing' model, inspired by an exposure visit of Ethiopian dairy farmers to the Netherlands, co-organized by BDEA. This innovative approach reduces investment costs while efficiently addressing fodder production and silage needs.

Nundoroto Agro, a pioneering service provider in the dairy sector partnering with BDEA, has been instrumental in this transformation. Through their Total Solution model, Nundoroto Agro offers a range of services, from post-harvest shredding to fertilizer application, contributing to enhanced farm practices and improved yields for clients across Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, and Trans Nzoia counties.

The push for higher quality silage continues with the 'Maize Train' concept. By focusing on aspects like chopping quality, harvest speed, and pit design, Nundoroto Agro aims to reach a target of 3600 acres of maize silage across multiple regions. This initiative not only enhances fodder production but also introduces alternative forage crops like sorghum and sunflower silage.

The East African dairy industry's transformation is far from over. BDEA and its partners are dedicated to building a robust ecosystem of professional agri-contractors, ultimately benefiting farmers across the region. With each successful maize train and exposure visit, the industry edges closer to a future where high-quality silage and enhanced dairy practices are accessible to all, regardless of scale. As the momentum builds, the dream of a more sustainable and productive dairy sector in East Africa becomes a tangible reality.