This archive report was first published on 21 October 2019.
At a time when many dairy farmers struggle to produce even 20 litres of milk per day from five cows, Grace Mumbi's Ngong-based zero-grazing dairy farm stands out as a beacon of hope. With a keen eye for innovation and a willingness to defy conventional wisdom, Mumbi has successfully increased dairy production to 90 litres per day from her five cows.
According to Mumbi, who started out with just two dairy cows, the key to her success lies in her adoption of zero-grazing practices. This approach, which involves keeping the cows indoors and feeding them high-quality feed, has allowed her to maintain a consistent milk yield despite the challenges posed by the Ngong climate.
“I carried out research to find out whether dairy farming in Ngong was viable. I worked in Kinangop and most people discouraged me from starting a business if I would not be available to supervise it,” Mumbi recalls, highlighting the skepticism she faced from her peers.
Despite these initial doubts, Mumbi persevered and eventually found success in Ngong. She attributes this to the high demand for milk in the area, which has allowed her to sell her products at a premium price. “Demand for milk in Ngong is very high. I sell the fresh milk and yoghurt, which I make at home, to my neighbours. A litre of milk will go for Sh60 and that of yoghurt is double that,” she explains.
As her business continues to thrive, Mumbi is now looking to expand her operations. She plans to increase her herd size to 72 cows and has already begun making plans for a biogas plant that will provide power to her neighbours.
When asked about the challenges she faced while starting the business, Mumbi highlights the difficulty of securing financing. However, she notes that turning to the government for help was a great decision. “My first loan was from Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC). I also turned to a government body when it came to breeding my cows. I would encourage people to work with government when they want to venture into agriculture because it gives the best,” she advises.
