Unlocking Climate Smart and Resilient Dairy Production: AU-IBAR at the IDF Regional Dairy Conference 2025

Camp Kigali, Rwanda | 29 May – 1 June 2025

Dairy plays an essential role in Africa's agricultural ecosystem, driving food security, economic growth, and rural development. Recognizing its immense potential, AU-IBAR has been at the forefront of advancing sustainable and resilient dairy practices across the continent. With a focus on smallholder farmers, research-driven policies, and capacity-building initiatives, AU-IBAR aims to establish a thriving, climate-smart dairy sector that contributes to Africa’s long-term prosperity.

From 29 May to 1 June 2025, AU-IBAR is actively participating in the IDF Regional Dairy Conference Africa 2025 at Camp Kigali, Rwanda. Co-hosted by the Rwanda Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), the International Dairy Federation (IDF), and the Rwanda National Dairy Platform (RNDP), this gathering brings together key stakeholders to discuss cutting-edge innovations and solutions in sustainable dairy production.

Under the theme “Sustainable Dairy for a Prosperous Africa,” the conference addresses critical issues such as climate-smart dairy systems, animal health and welfare, and improvements in dairy processing, nutrition, and marketing. During the session on Climate Smart and Resilient Dairy Production on 29 May 2025, Dr. Sarah Ossiya, representing AU-IBAR’s Director, Dr. Huyam Salih, delivered an insightful presentation on the “State of African Dairy: An Overview Across the Continent.” Dr. Ossiya also highlighted the challenges smallholder farmers face in fodder production, focusing on the impacts of changing rainfall patterns and droughts on fodder cultivation. She proposed strategies for enhancing resilience in dairy farming through drought-tolerant forage and climate-informed farming practices.

Dr. Ossiya emphasized AU-IBAR’s ongoing commitment to supporting African dairy systems through research, policy development, capacity building, and partnerships, with a special focus on empowering youth and women. Youth agripreneurs now represent over 20% of dairy farmers in East Africa, leading innovations like mobile traceability, solar-powered chilling, and value-added services, reshaping the industry’s future. In both Kenya and Rwanda, the dairy value chain is a crucial job creator, fueling household incomes and catalyzing rural transformation.
Dr. Ossiya called on African governments to increase investment and strengthen collaborations to unlock the full potential of the continent’s dairy sector. AU-IBAR’s RAFFS Project continues to play an essential role in promoting climate-smart farming practices and fostering resilience through initiatives like the promotion of drought-tolerant forage.

The conference will feature further expert-led sessions on animal genetics, disease control, financial inclusion, and market access for dairy products. With discussions from global organizations like FAO, Heifer International, and IFAD, the conference also highlights the vital roles of women and youth in the dairy value chain. Notable speakers, including the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources of Rwanda, will share insights into building a sustainable dairy sector.

In addition, the event will feature a Women’s Roundtable on Dairy Industry Development, field visits to leading dairy farms, and a matchmaking session aimed at fostering partnerships among governments, businesses, and development organizations.
The IDF Regional Dairy Conference Africa 2025 provides an invaluable platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaborative action to build a more sustainable and prosperous dairy industry across Africa. AU-IBAR’s continued support and participation in these discussions reinforce its commitment to empowering African dairy farmers and driving innovative solutions for a resilient dairy sector.

Read More: https://africadairyconference.com/