From improving a dairy farm to investing in cooperatives

In 2026, AVSI Foundation marks 40 years of partnership in Kenya (1986–2026). Among the six stories we have chosen to share for this anniversary, Elijah’s experience illustrates how practical training and stronger farmer cooperatives can improve agricultural livelihoods. From better feeding practices on his dairy farm to collective investment in milk transport, his story shows how individual progress can create opportunities for a wider farming community.

"My name is Elijah Muirigi. Before I started dairy farming in 2017, I had a coffee plantation. At first, milk production was low.

Things began to change when I joined the Economic Recovery to the Impact of Covid-19 on Agri-Food Value Chain in Kenya project implemented by AVSI. It worked with farmers through 30 dairy producer groups in Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu, including the New Nthimbiri Dairy Cooperative Society in Meru, where I was chairman".

"The training focused on practical knowledge we could use on our farms. We learned how to produce quality feed for dairy cows and how to make silage. I also received support to start producing silage myself.

Better feeding practices helped me increase milk production and reduce costs. With the additional income, I can now pay my children’s school fees and meet other family needs.

The knowledge also reaches beyond those who attend the training. We share what we have learned with farmers who could not participate, so they can apply it on their own farms."

"Alongside the changes on my farm, I developed my skills as a cooperative leader. I gained knowledge in governance, leadership, conflict management, ICT, procurement and financial management.

Our cooperative also strengthened its ability to invest collectively. Through the partnership with the project, we made a joint investment in a milk truck, improving our capacity to collect and transport milk.

For me, progress has come faster than I expected.

"My experience has also influenced my family. My son is studying animal health and production and hopes to help manage the farm in the future.

Dairy farming has taught me about nutrition and proper care, lessons I also apply in family life.

Looking at what has changed, I see the value of working together. Improving my own farm has been part of a wider process: learning from other farmers, sharing knowledge and building a cooperative that can make investments we could not make individually."

Elijah’s experience shows how progress on one farm can contribute to wider opportunities when farmers share knowledge and invest together. Better feeding practices helped him increase milk production and reduce costs, while stronger cooperative skills supported joint investment in milk collection and transport.

AVSI’s value-chain facilitation approach builds on these connections, bringing together farmers, cooperatives, technical experts, businesses and other partners to improve production, strengthen farmer organisations and develop reliable market relationships. The aim is to help farmers translate practical improvements into sustainable livelihoods through knowledge sharing, collective investment and more efficient collection, transport and marketing systems.

Looking ahead, AVSI will continue to promote sustainable agricultural practices and resilient, inclusive value chains. AVSI will also explore opportunities to expand its work in coffee, dairy and horticulture into new counties in Kenya, building on experience and responding to local market opportunities.

Through partnerships with county governments, businesses, cooperatives and other stakeholders, our commitment is to strengthen connections between smallholder farmers and viable markets, creating opportunities for agribusiness growth that benefit farmers, their families and their communities.

To discover the other stories collected for 40th anniversary of AVSI in Kenya visit the dedicated page.