Case E: Heifer in Albania, Cameroon and Ghana

[Joitske Hulsebosch]

Heifer is also presented three case studies. The case from Albania can be downloaded here and is presented by Fejzo Begaj. Henry Njakoi developed the Cameroon case (click on the word Cameroon to download). The last case is the one from Heifer Ghana, presented by John Heloo.

I hope you will enjoy reading the cases and feel free to post your comments and questions!

[Joitske Hulsebosch]

There is a reaction to the Albanian case by Jan Ovinge that I'm copying here: "I am impressed by the work done in Albania. I visited the country many times just after the change of the system. It is a beautiful country with excellent production opportunities. Agriculture can play an important role in the social and economical development of the country in the short run.
In the long run I doubt about the feasabilily of the small dairy farms in a market oriented economy. Dairy will will too labor extensive. I assume there will be more furure in labor intensive crops as horticulture in suitable area's .
In eastern Europe a lot of large scale commercial farms, financed by western investers is quick growing." (you can find the original comment here).

[Wim de Jong]

Jan Ovinge writes that dairy production is probably not feasible for small farmers on the long run. It is true that there are large investments in some Eastern European countries. However these investments have to be paid back. An investment of €4000-5000 per cow also means high fixed costs. If small dairy famers improve their skills and if they produce milk at a low cost for local consumption, they will be able to compete even with large scale modern dairy farms. For small dairy producers it will be important to see which options and alternatives are available to earn the money they need to pay for their families requirements. The choice for one or more activities depends on the skills, preference and opportunities of each individual or family. Of course the profitability of each activity will play a crucial role in any well considered decision.

[Joep van Mierlo]

Let's make sure Jan sees this question! I'll alert him on this!

[Joitske Hulsebosch]

Wim de Jong has been in Albania and says this on his page: "A lot of the Albanian case sounds familiar to me as I visited about 50 farms in 2003 for an assessment of the Heifer program. Scaling up will only be profitable if farmers enhance their technical knowledge and skills. Dairy farming is one of the most difficult activities in agriculture because of the long chain from soil to marketing. The result is as good as the weakest link in the chain."

You can see the original comment on his page. Do you agree that dairy farming is the most difficult activity in agriculture because of the long chain from soil to marketing?

[Wim de Jong]

Talking about scaling up: In general farmer's react on the most important stimulus: a milk price that makes milking (cows) profitable. Too often farmers blame others' or use facts on which they have no or few influence like thier government's policy, import of subsidized milk powder, climate, etc. Though in some cases these complaints are justified, it is more helpful to focus on details under own control like: enhancement of own professional knowledge and skills and collaboration with fellow farmers. I agree that the complaing attitude is often provoked by national politicians blaming foreign countries in order to plead themselves free of inactivity and even a certain desinterest in their farmer families wellbeing.

[Gori Stefi]

Hi Wim,
Your visit during assesment of our project were very profitable for us.
Yes, we agree that improving technical kwnolidge and skills of farmers are important.
Also increasing the investment on the farm are important. Disscusion about price of milk are present every were, but working as group (association) and improving the quality of the milk, let to increase the income for the farmers.

[Joitske Hulsebosch]

Please note there are some questions raised by William Thorpe and answered by Roland Kanlisi about the Heifer Ghana case. You can find them in the comments on the news here

[Dr. B. R. Patil]

Induction of dairy animals in Albana, could these animal sustain the performance in next year? How do they get the support services? who pays for the same.
Although community is being mobilised are they capacitated to take the responsibility in post project period?
The experiences in India under IRDP /SGSY induction programme were mix and had better success where backward and forward linkages were strong with community involvelment.