Jersey cow aiding dairy farming in Africa

Jersey Overseas Aid visited Zambia in May

Dairy farming aided by Jersey cows is helping lift an African community "out of poverty", a charity has said.

Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) said its Dairy for Development work was making a "significant, measurable" impact in Zambia for its smallholder farmers and communities.

JOA, Jersey's publicly-funded aid and development agency said its dairy initiative focused on boosting livelihoods and nutrition with dairy production techniques in Nepal, Zambia, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Malawi.

After visiting Zambia, JOA chair Deputy Carolyn Labey said a "strong depth of partnership" had developed between the country and Jersey.

She said: "This is a country with which we share more than just development goals; we share a vision of resilience, empowerment and prosperity for smallholder farmers and their communities.

"There is no substitute in seeing first-hand the impact that Jersey-funded programmes are having overseas, meeting the individuals whose lives are being transformed and reinforcing key partnerships that enable this to happen."

The Jersey cow is helping lift an African community "out of poverty"

Ms Labey said the Jersey cow was "the heart of this transformation".

She said: "Known for its resilience in extreme climates and nutrient-rich milk, the Jersey breed is ideal for smallholder farmers in Zambia.

"And as the home of the Jersey breed, we are proud to share this uniquely valuable animal, and the expertise that comes with it, with farming communities across Africa."

Zambian MP Peter Chibwe Kapala said the programme was "unique" and a "strategic opportunity" to help transform the economy.

He said: "We are proud to position Zambia as a major hub for Jersey cattle, a breed we understand is a favourite of His Majesty King Charles III, and we believe this breed is especially well suited for small scale for smallholder farmers in Africa."