On 27th October 2024, the TAGDev 2.0 program, Egerton University’s had the opportunity to reconnect with one of its successful alumni, Dennis Odero in Bumula, Busia County. Dennis, who joined the TAGDev program in 2019, has established a thriving dairy farming enterprise from the foundation of support provided by the program. Beginning with one cow funded through savings from his program stipend, Dennis has grown his dairy unit up to four dairy cows. His farm now provides a stable income for him and his uncle, who raised him, marking a journey from potential to success in sustainable agriculture.
Dennis's venture into dairy farming has been both practical and transformative. Currently he is milking two out of the four cows and he is able to milk at least 30 liters of milk every day. The steady income from milk sales not only sustains his family financially but also supports other essential household needs. Beyond income, he is also practicing regenerative agriculture by channeling the manure and urine from his cows to nourish a banana plantation. He has created a self-sustaining cycle that enriches both the soil and his family's food security. This integrated approach has allowed the family to diversify its food sources and increase income from banana sales, building a robust, sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
He also trains member of his community on dairy farming, proper feeding and even provide them with manure from the animals to use in organic farming of their crops. Also, through the dairy unit, Dennis buys animal feeds for the cows from his community members such as Maize stalks, sweet potato vines, Napier grass etc. providing them also with a source of income.
“Through this dairy unit, I have been able to employ two employees, one young man takes care of my animals, feeds them and milk them and another young woman takes the milk to the market where she sells the milk on behalf of the family. I pay them monthly and that way they are also able to take care of their families.” Dennis explained to us.
Dennis shared with us his vision of expanding his dairy unit, and even setting up a demonstration farm, where farmers from his community can come and learn more on Dairy cattle Management. This way farmers in his area will be able to adopt profitable dairy farming and be able also to earn a living.
In an interview with his uncle, Mr. Daniel Maloba, he was very grateful to TAGDev Program and Egerton University for the opportunity they gave his nephew. “Through this dairy unit that my nephew started, we are able to sell milk and buy other necessities here at home,” he said. Dennis also thanked the TAGDev Program for the support given to him and equipping him with entrepreneurship skills that enabled him set up his dairy unit.
The TAGDev 2.0 program’s vision is to equip young women and men with the skills, resources, and mentorship needed to excel in agriculture and agribusiness. Dennis’s journey is a testament to the success of that mission. In his message to the current TAGDev students in the program, he urged them to use the stipend given to them in the program in the right way, and on top of that make sure they make investments that are going to sustain and create job opportunities for them even upon graduation.
Written By:
Ian Kamau.
Communication Intern, TAGDev 2.0 Program, Egerton University.
