“I have a passion and so much love for my cow and I promised to take good care of it because the daily milk sales have increased our household income. The milk we drink every day has improved our family nutrition. Manure from the cow has led to improved food production and increased food security.” – Florence
Florence Mbaziira, 67, is married to Joseph, 69. They live with their four grandchildren in their home in Bukulula-Kalungu District, Uganda. Their family sold farming produce to earn a small income, but now with the introduction of the cow and the increased soil nutrients from the cow manure, their crop productivity has been boosted and is creating a steady income source.
“The cow has brought unexpected economic growth and social development to our family. Before we received our cow in 2013 we struggled to provide for our children. The cow project initially trained us in sustainable agriculture by improving farming practices like digging contours and improve our daily home sanitation. At first, we grew enough cow grass on the unproductive land but with the accumulation of manure from the cow, we can now grow quality coffee, bananas, and other seasonal crops. This enables us to have enough to eat and surplus to sell each month.
So far, our cow has delivered four males which we sold young to earn us money. We have been advised by our MADDO vet officer to inseminate using sexed semen to increase the chances of getting a female calf so that we can repay the living loan, expand our herd size and ensure increased milk production. From the milk sales of 10-13 liters sold daily, we have managed to pay school fees for grandchildren, pay for quality vet services and cow feeds, pay for home essentials and medication, as well as start a piggery and goat project as income-generating projects at home. Due to the scarcity of clean water near our home, we have installed two water harvesting tanks used for domestic and project activities.
We eat plenty of fruits and vegetables from our kitchen gardens and we drink milk that has improved our family nutrition and health. This has led to reduced expenses to treat diseases from poor nutrition.
Socially, my cow project has earned me respect in our community. I now chair both our farmer’s group and our local women’s saving group.
In the future, we hope to construct a biogas facility to eliminate the use of firewood and save the time it takes to gather it daily. We look forward to having a smoke free kitchen, another step toward better health.
Indeed, we are so grateful for the chance to join the MADDO Cow Project because the cow helps to improve our livelihood. How could we earn an income worth UGX 400,000 per month if not for the milk sales!! Thank you MADDO and our funding partners MPA from America.” – Florence