A group of women in training. GEMVAM project, Uganda. Photo: Judith Nagasha

Horns of hope: The livestock transformation

News published:  29/06/2026

For generations, cattle have been the backbone of life in Uganda's Ankole sub-region, where rolling hills, fertile soils and a rich livestock farming tradition define the landscape. Beyond symbolizing wealth, cattle provide food, income and livelihoods for millions of rural households.

Despite the region's enormous dairy potential, many smallholder farmers—particularly women and youth—have struggled with low productivity, limited technical skills, post-harvest losses and unstable milk prices. Large quantities of milk often go to waste because of inadequate processing and limited market access.

The Swedish-funded GEMVAM project, a part of the AgriFoSe2030 programme, is helping to change that narrative by equipping farmers with practical skills to turn raw milk into higher-value products, creating new income opportunities while promoting sustainable agriculture.

The AgriFoSe2030 programme, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), is translating scientific research into practical solutions for rural communities. The programme supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2, which seeks to end hunger, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

The project has been conducting farmer training in districts including Kiruhura and Bushenyi, where participants are learning modern livestock management, milk handling and value-addition techniques.

Dr. Simon Peter Musinguzi, Head of the Department of Agriculture at Kyambogo University, said the project is helping farmers shift from subsistence production to agribusiness.

"Through targeted training, particularly for women and youth, farmers are acquiring practical skills in livestock management and value addition. Instead of selling raw milk at unpredictable prices, they are producing yoghurt, cakes and cosmetic body-smearing oils, enabling them to earn higher and more stable incomes," he said.

Women embrace value addition

Women's groups participating in the programme say the training has transformed both their businesses and their outlook.

Victor Birungi, chairperson of Kiruhura Women in Value Addition, said exposure visits and technical support from Kyambogo University inspired members to think beyond traditional dairy farming.

"We used to see ourselves as just farmers. But after our first trip to Kyambogo University, our perspective shifted. We stopped thinking about survival and started thinking about industry," Birungi said.

The group has since adopted modern technologies, including biogas systems and improved ovens, to increase production efficiency. The biogas has made yoghurt processing and skincare production much easier as well as bake bread and cakes for commercial scale. The women have significantly reduced production costs by using locally available resources.

"Instead of buying expensive industrial cooking oils, we use our own cow ghee alongside eggs and bananas from our farms. Before this project, we were spectators in the milk business. Today, we are involved in sourcing quality milk, processing, packaging and marketing our products."

Another beneficiary, for the Bukonje Bakyala Tukore Women's Group, value addition has opened new business opportunities. Group Secretary Ahairwe Jessica Beingana said members have learned to convert milk and ghee into marketable products.The group also produces packaged yoghurt, helping members earn income even when raw milk prices decline.

"We are confident that we can use our own milk and ghee to compete in the confectionery market. We learned to replace expensive fats such as butter and margarine with our locally produced ghee when making cakes, bread, mandazi and doughnuts," she said.

Reducing waste through innovation

In Nyamiyaga, milk losses have declined significantly following training in processing and preservation. Joselyn Kyamaziima Mugarra, chairperson of Nyamiyaga Tukore Association, said the project has enabled farmers to diversify their products and stabilize household incomes.

"We learned that much of our milk was going to waste because we lacked the skills to preserve it. Today we produce yoghurt and ghee cakes. We are no longer just farmers—we are processors, and our household incomes are becoming more stable," she said.

Challenges remain

Although locally processed dairy products are gaining acceptance in regional markets, several barriers continue to limit expansion into larger retail chains.Limited access to affordable financing, inadequate rural infrastructure and lengthy certification procedures remain major obstacles.

Addressing these challenges requires stronger collaboration between government, development partners and the private sector. Kyambogo University is working with local governments to ensure the value-addition model becomes part of broader agricultural development strategies.

Looking ahead

Beyond increasing incomes, the project promotes climate-smart agriculture by integrating sustainable livestock practices with renewable energy technologies such as biogas, reducing dependence on firewood while improving environmental conservation.

Researchers believe the success recorded in Kiruhura and Bushenyi demonstrates the potential for scaling the initiative across Uganda. They are calling for increased investment in affordable credit, improved rural roads and electricity, faster product certification and stronger market linkages to enable more farmers to benefit from value addition.

As AgriFoSe2030 continues to bridge scientific research with community innovation, farmers across the hills of Ankole are demonstrating that with the right knowledge, technology and partnerships, smallholder agriculture can become a pathway to sustainable livelihoods and economic growth. 

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