Vihiga: In the rural landscape of Emuhaya Constituency, Vihiga County, Margaret Ahona has transformed her quarter-acre farm into a thriving dairy enterprise. Ahona started off with two cows 10 years ago; the herd has grown to eight, yielding 100 litres of milk daily. The dairy farmer says this has been possible because of dedication and proper breeding through artificial insemination (AI) and providing appropriate feeds to enhance milk production.
According to Kenya News Agency, she sells about 30 per cent of her milk to direct consumers at Sh50 per litre while the remaining bulk is supplied to Vihiga Dairy Cooperative Society, which has recognized her farm as a model for best practices in dairy farming. The entrepreneur is assisted on the farm by her daughter, Edna Kaveza, a psychology graduate from Kenyatta University. After facing challenges in securing employment, Kaveza returned home and decided to join her mother in the dairy farming venture.
'Working alongside my mother has been enlightening,' observes Kaveza, adding that she has been attending training forums organized by development partners and the county government where she has gained knowledge on the best dairy farming practices. Despite their success, the duo faces challenges, particularly the high cost of animal feeds. They have grown Napier grass on the part of the farm for fodder to complement what is bought.
She said a 90-kilogramme bag of dairy meal costs about Sh3,600, and hence they are appealing for the government to offer subsidy on the dairy feeds. Looking ahead, she aims to increase her herd to 12 cows within the next five years. 'With continued breeding and proper management, we believe it's achievable,' she says. 'Our goal is to not only increase production but also inspire other farmers in the region.'
Ahona's journey underscores the potential of dairy farming in Vihiga County, especially for smallholder farmers in areas like Emuhaya.