In Chalala Dairy Cooperative in Chongwe District, 39-year-old Daniel Maseko is redefining what it means to be a modern small-scale farmer. Sitting on a 30-hectare farm, Daniel manages a blend of dairy farming and horticulture but it is his success with pasture production that is inspiring fellow farmers across the community.
For the past five years, Daniel has been a member of the Chalala Dairy Cooperative, steadily growing his herd of seven dairy cows. When ADRA Zambia introduced pasture demonstration fields through the Jersey Breed Focused Dairy Development Project, Daniel saw an opportunity to expand beyond traditional practices. He received pasture seeds from the project and established a two-hectare pasture field dedicating 70% to Lucerne and the remaining to Sugar Graze, Millet, Rhodes Grass, and Brachiaria.
Standing proudly in his lush green Lucerne field, Daniel smiles as he recalls the transformation. “This Lucerne field has been a true game-changer,” he says. “It has shifted my mindset from seeing farming as just a way of life to recognizing it as a serious and profitable business.”
Daniel harvests and sells Lucerne to other dairy farmers in Chalala and Palabana Cooperatives, earning between K50 per 50kg bag during the rainy season and K150 per bag in the dry season when demand peaks. On average, he sells around 30 bags each month, generating an impressive annual income of about K28,000.
The benefits go beyond income. Feeding his cows with Lucerne has boosted milk production by 20–25%, proving that quality feed directly enhances productivity. “The constant demand for Lucerne means I can plan, budget, and expand,” Daniel explains. “I sleep soundly knowing that my farm is not just sustaining my family but helping others in the dairy business too.”
Daniel’s success embodies the goals of the Jersey Breed Focused Dairy Development Project, funded by Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) through the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society (RJA&HS). The project promotes sustainable dairy farming, improved livestock nutrition, and pasture commercialization empowering farmers like Daniel to turn knowledge into thriving agribusiness ventures.
Looking ahead, Daniel plans to expand his pasture fields and mentor other farmers interested in pasture production. “I want to see more farmers making money from their land,” he adds with pride. “When one farmer succeeds, the whole community grows.”
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