Zenebech Gelane has become a successful dairy farmer and entrepreneur in Oromia, Ethiopia.
Zenebech Gelane, who lives in Ethiopia’s Abaya woreda (district), exemplifies strength through adversity. After starting her farm with two older cows producing just one liter of milk daily, Zenebech’s small herd now produces up to nine liters of milk per day. The change is due to hard work and her participation in Solidaridad’s Oromia Coffee and Dairy Development project, which was funded by Comic Relief.
The Oromia Coffee and Dairy Development project, which was implemented by Solidaridad, aimed to equip smallholder pastoralists with the knowledge and resources necessary to enhance their farming practices. The initiative was designed to improve productivity and sustainability among farmers in the Oromia region through tailored support and training.
Oromia is an area known for its fertile highlands that are suitable for agriculture and raising livestock. Farmers like Zenebech work hard, but often struggle.
“I used to feel like I was stuck in a rut, unable to make ends meet,” Zenebech said. “The milk yield was insufficient to nourish my children or generate income, making cattle ownership seem futile.”
Participating in the project transformed her approach. Zenebech received new heifers to supplement her two older cows, and thanks to the project’s training, she acquired essential dairy farming skills and knowledge that revolutionized how she worked on her farm.
Training included good animal husbandry practices, the formulation of homemade feed and fodder farming, feed storage and conservation techniques, record-keeping, animal housing, and hygiene.
The training also emphasized the importance of calf rearing and overall herd management. With Zenebech’s new skills she was able to ensure the health of her cattle and improve her herd’s milk production.
During the project, Solidaridad employed a hands-on training methodology. Demonstration plots provided dairy farmers with an opportunity to directly observe and practice new techniques. This peer-to-peer learning model encouraged collaboration and knowledge sharing among dairy farmers in a supportive community environment.
The training model also equipped dairy farmers in Ethiopia with business management strategies that helped them to set short and long term goals for their dairy operations. This ultimately led participating farmers to see a 40 percent productivity increase and an increase of 50 percent in income.
In Oromia, Zenebech’s story is one of growth and empowerment. She has tripled her milk production and provides additional income for her family and proper nutrition for her children.
However, the impact of Zenebech’s transformation extends beyond her own household. She serves as an inspiration for others in her community who want to explore the possibilities of dairy farming. Her vision has encouraged her neighbors to embrace this rewarding venture, and reflects her desire not only to prosper individually but also to uplift those around her.
“I am grateful for the support I received from Solidaridad, which not only improved my dairy farming practices but also gave me the confidence to take on new challenges,” Zenebech said.
I am proud to be a role model to other women in my community, showing them that with hard work and determination, they too can achieve their goals.
Zenebech Gelane
Zenebech continues to thrive. She has set her sights on expanding her income-generating activities by producing more milk, churning butter, and fostering sustainable growth as a dairy farmer. Through her resilience and success, she remains an inspiration for other women in Oromia who are working hard to improve their livelihoods.
About the project
The Oromia Coffee and Dairy Development project was funded by Comic Relief and aimed to reach out to Ethiopian producers in an effort to develop a more sustainable supply chain. It had a special focus on climate-smart practices and promoted income diversification and gender awareness. Through the education and support provided by the initiative, dairy farmers like Zenebech Gelane, have demonstrated the transformative power of agriculture to enhance livelihoods and foster sustainable development.