Jersey and Zambia Sign Deal to Launch Phase Two of Dairy Development Project
The governments of Jersey and Zambia have signed an addendum paving the way for the launch of Phase Two of the Jersey Breed Focus Dairy Development Project, aimed at strengthening Zambia’s dairy sector.
The agreement will enable Jersey Overseas Aid to continue implementing its “Dairy for Development” initiative, which focuses on improving cattle genetics, increasing milk production and enhancing farmer livelihoods.
The partnership builds on a Memorandum of Understanding on Dairy for Development signed in February 2022 between the Government of Jersey, the Jersey Overseas Aid Commission and Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
Under the original agreement, Jersey committed to sending technical missions to Zambia to analyse opportunities for dairy sector development, while monitoring and evaluating ongoing projects.
Both parties also agreed to manage development cooperation through partnership, mutual accountability and shared responsibility for results.
The newly signed addendum aims to expand efforts to improve Zambia’s dairy industry by promoting the use of improved cattle genetics, building farmer capacity in climate-smart agriculture and strengthening livestock extension services.
Additional initiatives will include improving husbandry practices, raising awareness about breed management, strengthening milk-handling techniques and supporting the development of a sustainable genetic resource management system.
The agreement also provides for studies and projects designed to generate data that will help inform national dairy sector policies and livestock breeding strategies.
The addendum was signed at Zambia House by Carolyn Labey on behalf of Jersey, and Macenje Mazoka on behalf of Zambia’s Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Peter Kapala.
Ms Labey was accompanied by Ed Lewis and Joe Pennell, while Ms Mazoka was joined by Counsellor (Economic) Kasalika Mulenga.
Jersey’s international development programmes focus on three main themes: dairy for development, financial inclusion and conservation livelihoods. These areas were selected because of their proven impact in promoting sustainable development and because they draw on Jersey’s expertise.
Through the dairy development initiative, Jersey aims to enhance dairy production techniques, improve animal health and genetics, strengthen dairy value chains and increase milk yields and quality, particularly for small-scale farmers.
