Worried by the lack of access to clean water, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has inaugurated a new drilling project, which aims to transform the lives of Luumo Kosam Dairy Cooperative in Chukun, Kaduna State.
Initiated by the Value Chain Foundation with financial support from ECOWAS and the Swiss Cooperation (DDC), this project is part of the Regional Programme for Support to Farmer Organisations (PRAOP).
This initiative aims to provide employment opportunities for youth through improved dairy and fodder production, specifically by enhancing local milk production through the establishment of family dairy farms and the management of cows and calves, increasing the availability and accessibility of feed and forage, and facilitating knowledge sharing among dairy farmers and stakeholders.
At the end of its implementation, the project is expected to create 22 direct jobs, produce 400 tons of fodder, train 600 youths from 100 households and 10 young individuals, connect 100 households to inputs and services such as feed, forage, medications, veterinary services, and artificial insemination, and link 100 households to governments, development partners, milk supply, with an additional production of 300 liters of raw milk per day and an increase in beneficiaries’ income by about 200 per cent.
This new drilling provides a reliable and essential water source for cooperative members and livestock watering, which will help improve their main source of livelihood.
The handover of the drilling to the Luumo Kosam Dairy Cooperative in Chukun, Kaduna, marks a significant step in promoting youth employability and improving the living conditions of cooperative members. Animals will be better nourished.
