Linking dairy production to markets (CSARIDE)

The challenge

CSARIDE set out to improve Eritrea's dairy sector with climate-smart methods. Farm improvements alone would not raise incomes if milk was lost or spoiled between the farm and the buyer. Sense led the value chain and enterprise work, linking farm output to safe products that sell.

What we did

• Mapped the dairy value chain from farms through milk collection centres and processors to consumers.
• Studied the costs, volumes, hygiene and viability of processors and milk collection centres.
• Introduced standard operating procedures, milk quality testing, shelf-life trials and cooling methods such as the zero energy cooling chamber.
• Worked with regulators, laboratories and extension services to align advice, inspection and standards.

Results

• Processors and milk collection centres improved hygiene, quality control and cost awareness.
• Milk testing and shelf-life work cut losses, so more milk could be sold safely.
• A facilitator manual on running milk collection centres as cooperative businesses was published in June 2025.