GAIN Access to Better Dairy

The aim of the project was to promote sustainable dairy market development in Ethiopia. By increasing productivity of local and smallholder farmers in the dairy value chain and enhancing the nutritional value of high-quality milk-based products, to fight malnutrition. In contrast to previous efforts in Ethiopia, the GAIN Nordic Partnership drove development through a “pull approach” by i) stabilizing and increasing demand for local dairy products through local marketing and communication efforts, ii) working closely with local processors on product and process innovation, and iii) supporting smallholder farmers to improve quality, safety and yields of milk and access to market through regular milk collection. On this bases, sustainable market development can be developed for all actors in the value chain; serving as an inclusive business model for scaling up potentially also in other regions and countries.

The project was driven by Arla Foods Ingredients (AFI), who has a strategic interest in supplying ingredients for nutritious affordable food products targeting low-income markets. In collaboration with GAIN, DanChurchAid, and Danish Industries, and local partner Loni Agro Industry PLC, the partners ensured sustainability and scalability of the solution from a comprehensive dairy value chain perspective.