Ankole Dairy Farmers Grapple with Climate and Counterfeit Threats

The once-vibrant dairy sector in the Ankole region is under severe strain, with farmers expressing deep concern over a combination of environmental and market-related adversities. Persistent dry spells have significantly impacted pasture availability, leading to reduced milk yields and forcing many farmers into distress sales of their cattle.

Compounding the effects of climate change is the widespread availability of counterfeit acaricides. These ineffective products fail to protect livestock from ticks and other parasites, resulting in disease outbreaks and further compromising the health and productivity of dairy herds. The economic consequences are substantial, as farmers struggle with decreased revenue from milk sales and increased veterinary costs.

Inadequate agricultural extension services further exacerbate the situation, leaving farmers with limited access to timely advice and support for managing these complex challenges. The combination of unpredictable weather patterns and the menace of fake chemicals threatens the long-term sustainability of dairy farming in Ankole, a sector crucial to the livelihoods of many in the region.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ankole-s-dairy-sector-struggles-to-survive-5627968