Short Note on Dairy Technology Transfer and Community Services: The case of Provision of Improved Dairy Technologies for Low Income Women around Ambo Town

Abstract

The overall objectives of dairy technology transfer project were to demonstrate the improved dairy technologies and strengthen gender involvement in dairy production that enhances the income sources of low income women around Ambo town. For demonstration purpose, low income women were selected for the project and training was given by different expertise on the improved dairy technologies and dairy products handling, processing and marketing. Along with pregnant Friesian-Horro crossbred heifers; improved forages and health services were given as full dairy technology package. Credit service was arranged with Eshet Microfinance Institute. Half of the cost was subsidized by Ambo University and only half of the cost of heifer (2000.00 Birr) was covered by participant women. The average milk yield of Friesian-Horro crossbred cow under farmers’ management was 9.3 liter/day. Women have benefited from the crossbred dairy cows by generating income from selling of milk and milk products and male calves obtained from crossbred cows. An appreciable awareness about improved forage utilization has created. The improved dairy technology has highly accepted and appreciated by women. Unavailability of improved dairy stock, inadequate AI service, shortage of feeds and inadequate health services were reported as the main constraints hindering dairy productivity in the area which should require immediate intervention. Oestus synchronization and AI should be provided in large scale to fulfill the great demand of crossbred dairy cows.