Fresh Milk Scarcity in Nambale: A Call to Embrace Serious Dairy Farming in the Region

Every morning and evening in Nambale, I come across frustrated faces — people walking from shop to shop looking for fresh cow milk, only to go home empty-handed. There’s increasing demand for fresh milk in our area, but the supply is simply not there. Even the only dairy point in Nambale town is often closed due to lack of supply.

This problem is not because milk can’t be produced here. The truth is — we have the potential, but we are not taking dairy farming seriously enough.

Most households keep local breeds that barely produce enough milk for the family. These animals are often tethered in open fields or fed only napier grass, with very little effort put into proper feeding, hygiene, or housing. Honestly, you can’t expect miracles from a cow that’s poorly fed and barely taken care of!

Why We Must Rethink Dairy Farming

The other day, I was watching my favorite farming show, Seeds of Gold on Citizen TV, and they featured a farm in Vermont, USA. What caught my attention was how the farm wasn’t just producing milk — they were also making cheese and attracting tourists through agritourism. That’s what I call serious farming with a business mindset.

So why can’t we do the same here in Busia County?

We already have the demand — just walk around in the morning and see for yourself. What we need now is the supply. If a few serious farmers started doing dairy farming properly, not only would they make good income, but the whole community would benefit from steady access to fresh milk.

Benefits of Dairy Farming in Nambale

1. Daily Income – Milk is sold every day. Even with 2–3 cows producing well, you can make Kshs. 600–1500 daily or more.

2. Ready Market – There is unmet demand. You won’t struggle to find buyers for clean, fresh milk.

3. Manure for Crops – Dairy cows provide organic manure, reducing the need for expensive fertilizers.

4. Employment – From milking to transport to sales, dairy farming can create jobs.

5. Value Addition Opportunities – Think yogurt, cheese, ghee — these products have even higher profit margins.

6. Dignified Livelihood – With proper planning, dairy farming can support a household comfortably.

Things to Consider Before Starting Dairy Farming

If you’re planning to venture into dairy farming seriously, here are a few key things to get right from the beginning:

1. Breed Selection

Don’t just keep any cow. Go for improved breeds like Friesians, Ayrshires, or Jerseys. They produce more milk and are worth the investment.

2. Feeding

Cows need a balanced diet. Napier grass alone is not enough. Include legumes (like desmodium), dairy meal, minerals, and clean water. A well-fed cow is a productive cow.

3. Housing

Cows need a clean, dry, and spacious shelter. Good housing reduces diseases and improves milk hygiene.

4. Health and Hygiene

Work with a local vet for regular checkups, deworming, and vaccinations. Hygiene during milking is also very important for milk quality.

5. Record Keeping

Keep track of how much your cow is eating, producing, and costing you. That’s how you know if you’re making a profit.

6. Training and Mentorship

Attend field days, training programs, or even visit successful farmers in other counties. Learning from others will save you costly mistakes.

Also read: Rural Cattle Farmers Need Training

Final Thoughts

Fellow residents of Nambale and the wider Busia region, the opportunity is right here with us. We don’t need to wait for people from other counties to supply us with milk. Let’s take up dairy farming with the seriousness it deserves. Start small if you must, but start right. Let’s feed our families, supply our towns, and build a future with dairy.

Let this fresh milk scarcity be the wake-up call we needed.