Alegnesy Bies
Communications Manager
Senegal
A fully equipped dairy processing plant was set up by World Vision Senegal in the ADP BASA in partnership with the community of Mballocounda. This plant is contributing significantly to improving the lives of community members, especially the children. There is now variety and an enriched diet in the local elementary school canteen with cater for 354 students from the village.
In the village of Mballocounda, the activity of the dairy plant has become an important cog in the whole community machinery, both as a source of economic activity and additional nourishment. According to the chairman of the dairy management committee, Niamadio, the milk produced and processed by the dairy plant enables them to improve the nutrition of students in the area. This much needed nourishment comes at a key stage in the child development as most of the children are between the ages of 3-9 years old.
“The milk comes from households with cows and they sell it to the dairy processing unit. This dairy unit was realized through the community’s partnership with World Vision Senegal. They supported us in getting the equipment and the solar panel installation to ensure the smooth operation of the plant. Like our local farming project, the dairy plant, which started operating in 2011, has become a secure source of income for our community. It has allowed us to improve our living conditions, '' Niamadio said. The dairy plant also makes monthly donations to the elementary school of the village.
In order to empower communities and increase their revenues, World Vision Senegal, after identifying potential communities and fervor their to partner in their own development, set up several units for collection and processing of milk in Kolda and Velingara areas. These units contribute to the organization of the local industry, which faces many difficulties. In Senegal, the local production of milk does not cover all the needs of the Senegalese population. The dairy industry as a whole is not well organized and faces challenges related to the collection, preservation and processing of the product. Strides have been made however in this respect through the example of Mballoconda, who are striving and giving back to their community, contributing to life in all its fullness for their children.
The Mballocouda dairy plant employs 5 people, 3 women and 2 men. They produce 100 liters of milk and sell 500 bags per day in the ‘Loumas’ (weekly markets) in Guinea.
