Sawa Trains Dairy Farmers on Better Milking Practices
More than 15,000 dairy farmers across Murang’a, Nyandarua, Narok and Bomet have benefited from practical education on better milking practices and udder and teat care through a farmer engagement campaign by Sawa Milking Jelly.
The campaign, which began late April combined direct farm engagement with mass media outreach, with 119 farms visited across the four regions. Through the farm visits, Sawa teams provided hands-on guidance, conducted live product demonstrations and held one-on-one consultations with farmers on everyday dairy management and milking practices. Radio and television engagements further extended the campaign to thousands of farmers beyond the physical activation sites.
The programme has to date covered Gatanga, Kigumo, Maragua and Kangema in Murang’a; Ol Kalou and Kipipiri in Nyandarua; several locations in Narok East and Narok North constituencies; and dairy farming areas across Bomet County.
At the farm activations, farmers participated in live demonstrations on the correct use of Sawa Milking Jelly and received trial packs. The sessions also provided an opportunity for farmers to discuss their everyday dairy-farming challenges directly with the Sawa team and receive practical advice.
The campaign registered further impact through local agricultural networks, engaging agrovets, stockists, dairy cooperatives and farmer groups. This helped strengthen the connection between farmers and the outlets where they can access Sawa Milking Jelly.
“I have learnt that consistent teat and udder care forms part of good milking hygiene and helps support comfortable milking for the cow. I was also able to understand the value of natural products like Sawa Milking Jelly in soothing and protecting the cow’s teats,” said one participating farmer in Narok.
Rajul Malde, Commercial Director of Pwani Oil Products Limited, which manufactures Sawa Milking Jelly, said the campaign had demonstrated the value of taking practical information directly to farmers.
“The response from farmers has reinforced the value of meeting them directly and providing information they can use on their farms.”
The campaign progressed into its final phase with two major farmer activations that brought together large numbers of dairy farmers and stakeholders.
The first activation was held in Murang’a on September 23 at Ihura Stadium, followed by a major farmers’ forum in Bomet on October 2 at Silibwet Green Stadium.
The two events provided farmers with an opportunity to access practical guidance, engage directly with agricultural experts, and learn more about improved milking techniques and animal-care practices.