Jimma University, in partnership with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) through its Sustainable Animal and Foods (SAAF) program, has successfully delivered a comprehensive capacity-building training for smallholder dairy farmers on integrated dairy innovation packages. The two-day intensive session, held from June 17-18, 2026, in the Jimma cluster at Dedo Woreda, brought together farmers, agricultural experts, and academic researchers in a collaborative effort to modernize dairy farming practices. 
The training, which marked its second iteration, combined theoretical instruction with hands-on field observations and practical exercises. Participants were immersed in critical areas including forage development and preparation, breed improvement, animal healthcare protocols, and performance recording using the advanced ADGG (African Dairy Genetic Gains) data platform. Organizers emphasized that trainees should immediately apply their newfound knowledge to achieve tangible, measurable results on their farms.
The program was meticulously designed to arm participants with essential technical and digital competencies to enhance dairy productivity and long-term sustainability. The curriculum spanned a diverse range of topics, with particular emphasis on digital transformation. Farmers received training on animal registration and performance recording, utilizing a state-of-the-art digital dairy cattle data platform that enables precise tracking and informed decision-making.
Animal health protocols and smart nutrition practices formed another crucial component of the training. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions featuring the On-farm Feed Advisory (OFA) tool, alongside practical feed processing techniques that demonstrated how to optimize available resources for maximum nutritional benefit.
Fantahun Ambaw, Team Leader of Forage Development at Dedo Woreda, delivered a compelling address to the participants, underscoring the urgent necessity for dairy farmers to abandon traditional feeding and management practices in favor of improved, evidence-based approaches. He stressed that maintaining robust animal health, preparing balanced nutritional feed, and selecting quality breeds constitute the essential “pillars” of success in modern dairy farming. Ambaw expressed profound gratitude for Jimma University’s unwavering support in driving this sector-wide transformation.
Aregaw Abera, Head of the Animal Science Department at Jimma University, elaborated on the training’s broader objectives. He revealed that in collaboration with ILRI-SAAF, a comprehensive livestock registration initiative is currently underway, utilizing ear tags linked to a national database to systematically track livestock lineages. Mr. Aregaw emphasized that animal registration and performance recording offer substantial advantages for dairy farmers by compiling exhaustive data on livestock lineage, health history, vaccination records, and milk productivity metrics. This wealth of information empowers farmers to better understand their animals’ identities, histories, and productivity levels, thereby enhancing marketing strategies and breeding opportunities.
Dr. Wasihun Hassen from Jimma University announced an exciting development: adaptive grass varieties sourced from ILRI are being cultivated on the university campus specifically for distribution to dairy farmers, ensuring access to high-quality forage materials. The multipurpose chopper machine, generously donated by ILRI, took center stage during the hands-on training session. This practical component aimed to help farmers immediately apply improved feed preparation techniques on their own farms.
An expert from ILRI led the practical demonstration, expertly guiding farmers through the operation of the chopper for efficiently preparing mixed feed, grass, and foliage. Participants eagerly seized the opportunity to practice using the machine themselves, gaining invaluable firsthand experience in better feed resource utilization. Following the demonstration and practical exercises, an engaging and interactive discussion was held with the farmers to explore various modalities for the chopper’s utilization and to address their questions and concerns. The machine is expected to be formally handed over to the participants in the near future, ensuring they can continue applying their newly acquired skills independently.
The integrated approach is particularly vital for the region, as the Jimma area is renowned for its high demand for milk and dairy products. The local dairy sector is characterized by smallholder activity with significant untapped potential for growth. Previous research has consistently indicated that adopting a comprehensive package of improved dairy practices—including better breeds, enhanced feeds, and optimized feeding systems—can substantially increase household food security and economic resilience.
This training initiative aims to significantly boost adoption rates by equipping farmers with the knowledge to transition “from guesswork to evidence-based” practices through digital recording in dairy farming. By digitizing data collection in breeding, feeding, and herd health management, the project is systematically building a more sustainable, productive, and resilient future for Ethiopian dairy farmers.