Strengthening the dairy sector in Morocco

Cows in Morocco’s south provide too little milk and of low quality. Production depends on the season, but there is also another reason: farmers lack knowledge about providing balanced feed to their animals. Dairy cows are undernourished and their genetic potential cannot be used to its full potential. At the same time, unbalanced feed rations, from which the cows eat only a limited portion, result in enormous waste. The economic viability for dairy farmers is thus quite limited.

To tackle the situation and foster the development of rural areas in Morocco, Swisscontact has been seeking partnerships with the private sector. Together with Nestlé, a new generation of professional and effective dairy cooperatives has been established through the creation of a model village.  

The basis for dairy farming was created, but the improvements in milk quality and quantity did not appear to be taking off.

Therefore, a new project component was added: field schools. These constitute an important project component, previously unknown in North Africa. Swisscontact is working with local partners to ensure dairy farmers, young men and women obtain high-quality training. Participants at practically-oriented trainings learn state-of-the-art techniques of animal husbandry. For example, they learn to arrange their stalls in a way to save on energy and costs. The most important topics for farmers are feed technology and animal health. Indeed, these factors constitute 70% of the costs of milk production. To address feed rationing challenges, an already available software was updated to meet the needs of local dairy farmers. 

A key aspect of this process is open dialogue based on respect and trust, which fosters cooperation and teamwork. In the end, this common commitment not only results in higher milk production and lower expenses for dairy farmers, but also in more entrepreneurship and added value.