DAIRY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION
The Dairy and Rural Development Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on improving rural livelihoods through sustainable agriculture practices.
190 pages

Abstract
Established in 2005, the foundation operates in several countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its primary objective is to enhance the productivity and income of smallholder farmers, particularly those engaged in dairy and crop production. The foundation's approach emphasizes community-led development, community-led total sanitation, and climate-resilient agriculture. In Kenya, the foundation has implemented a project aimed at improving dairy production and market access for smallholder farmers. The project, which began in 2018, targets farmers in the Rift Valley region, where dairy farming is a significant economic activity. Key findings from the project's midterm evaluation indicate that farmers who received training in dairy production and management practices showed a 25% increase in milk yields. Additionally, the project's market linkage facilitation component enabled farmers to access higher prices for their milk, resulting in a 15% increase in income. The project also promoted the use of improved dairy breeds, which led to a 30% reduction in mortality rates among dairy cattle. The foundation's rural development initiatives focus on improving access to markets, inputs, and services for smallholder farmers. In Tanzania, the foundation has established a network of rural service centers that provide farmers with access to credit, training, and market information. The centers also serve as hubs for the collection and processing of agricultural products, enabling farmers to access higher-value markets. The foundation's geographic focus is primarily on East Africa, where it operates in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its programs are designed to be scalable and replicable, with the goal of improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. The foundation's approach emphasizes collaboration with local stakeholders, including farmers, government agencies, and private sector partners, to achieve its objectives.
Classification
USAID DEC