More than milk: Turning dairy into energy, income, and growth

As the world celebrates World Milk Day 2026 and recognizes the women in dairy, we’re sharing the story of Caroline, one of many women farmers waking up every morning to care for cows, feed families and build better futures through dairy farming. 

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My name is Caroline Tanui, and I live in Sachangwan Village, Bomet County, in Kenya’s Rift Valley. I keep dairy cows  and grow maize and sweet potatoes that help me feed and support my family.

Today, when I look at my cows, my silage stores and the small improvements I continue making on my farm, I feel proud of how far I have come. But my dairy journey started very small, with just one cow.

When I first started, I was inspired by a farmer from Kaplong, a neighboring village, whom I visited several years ago. He practiced zero grazing, where livestock are kept in a confined area, and their food and water brought to them. During my visit, he demonstrated that dairy farming can be more than simply keeping cows; it can be a profitable business. That experience transformed my perception of farming.

Today, I keep four cows. I have a Friesian, an Ayrshire and two local breeds, and they all serve different purposes on my farm.

I chose the Friesian mainly for commercial purposes because its high yield provides a reliable source of income from milk sales. My Friesian cow produces between 15 and 20 litres of milk a day, depending on feeding and the age of the calf. Typically, I get seven to eight litres during the morning milking session and another five litres or more in the evening. I earn about KES 800 (USD 6) per day from milk sales, making dairy farming a valuable source of household income.

My Ayrshire cow produces less milk, about five litres per day, but with a higher butterfat content. This is the milk reserved for my family's daily consumption. 

The local breeds are also important. One of them is a Sahiwal that I bought from Maasai farmers in Narok County. Even though the local breeds product less milk, it is thick, tasty and rich in nutrients. I continue improving these breeds through artificial insemination because I want better production in future generations.

One of my favourite cows is my Friesian, called Chelingi. She has already produced three calves and has been a valuable part of my herd. Although she is now getting older, I still hope to get another quality calf from her through artificial insemination so that I can continue improving my herd.

Proper feeding is key

Over the years, I have learned that successful dairy farming depends heavily on feeding and proper management. My cows are kept under zero grazing, so feed preparation is very important. I mainly use silage, dairy meal supplements, salt and wilted Napier grass.

In the mornings, after milking, I give the cows dairy meal and salt then feed them silage later in the day. I make sure there is clean water in raised containers that the cows cannot dirty because hygiene is crucial in dairy farming. Other animals, such as chickens and dogs, are kept away from the cattle’s feed and water because diseases can spread easily.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned in dairy farming is that the more nutritious the feed, the more milk the cows produce. Previously, after harvesting maize from my one and a half acres, I would feed the cows dry maize stalks. But through learning from other farmers and attending training sessions, I discovered that silage made when maize is still green and “milky” has more nutrients. Now, when my maize reaches the correct stage, I harvest some for silage and leave the rest for family consumption. The income I get from milk is even better than if I sold the maize.

I have also improved how I store silage. I keep some in containers and the rest in polythene bags. During a recent farmer field day organized by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), I learned that silage containers should be stored upside down to keep air out and prevent spoilage. That is one of the changes I will now implement on my farm.

At the farmer field day, I learned about high-protein fodder crops like lucerne and desmodium from fellow farmers. In addition, I gained valuable knowledge on how to improve Napier grass silage using molasses, a by-product of sugar production. The event also provided practical lessons on proper silage harvesting and processing techniques, as well as effective paddock management practices, which I hope to adopt in the future because I don’t currently have paddocks on my farm.

Service providers offering artificial insemination services, savings and credit services, and livestock management also send representatives to field days. Interacting with them is invaluable, as they give farmers access to essential knowledge, resources, and networks that help us continually improve our farming practices and productivity.

ILRI has been working on feed management innovations with farmers in Bomet County for several years. The institute collaborates with pioneer farmers to demonstrate and share improved practices through farmer field days.

Nothing goes to waste

For me, dairy farming is connected to every part of my farm. I use cow waste in a biogas system that I use for cooking and the slurry left after gas production is good manure for my crops.

My family plays an important role in supporting my dairy work. My children help clean the cowshed and carry silage to storage areas. 

Even during difficult times, dairy farming sustains us. During droughts, my silage stores enable me to continue feeding my cows. Sometimes I even buy maize from other farmers and convert it into silage.

I still believe there is room for improvement.  Every training I attend gives me new knowledge, and every farmer I meet teaches me something new.

Acknowledgement

This activity has been supported by the HABITAT project and the Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods Science Program (SAAF). The HABITAT project is funded by the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC). GCBC is a UK Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme that aims to support developing countries to shape decision-making and develop policies that better value, protect, restore and sustainably manage biodiversity in ways that tackle climate change resilience and poverty alleviation. The Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods Science Programme (SAAF) is supported by contributors to the CGIAR Trust Fund. CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food-secure future dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis.