African Jersey Forum 2026 showcases Jersey's global leadership in dairy development

The conference explored how the Jersey cow can help build stronger, more productive and sustainable dairy sectors. Attendees included government representatives, dairy experts, researchers and development partners from across the region. 

Hosted by the Dairy Association of Zambia and organised by the Royal Jersey Agricultural & Horticultural Society in partnership with Jersey Overseas Aid, the Forum showcased how Jersey's dairy expertise is creating lasting change by supporting livelihoods and creating more resilient farming communities across Africa. The conference was officially opened by Dr Max Choombe, Permanent Secretary in Zambia's Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, who welcomed delegates and highlighted the importance of international collaboration in supporting the country's dairy sector. Delegates also heard from Deputy Carolyn Labey, Jersey's Minister for International Development and Chair of Jersey Overseas Aid, who reflected on the role of partnership and knowledge sharing in tackling the challenges facing agriculture and rural development. 

"The challenges facing agriculture and rural development are too significant for any one organisation or country to solve alone. But together, by sharing knowledge and supporting one another, we can accelerate progress." 

A major milestone during the Forum was the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between Jersey and Zambia. Deputy Carolyn Labey met with Dr Max Choombe, Permanent Secretary in Zambia's Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, to extend the agreement for a further five years. First signed in 2022, the agreement strengthens cooperation on dairy development through knowledge exchange, skills development and support for sustainable growth. 

The importance of this long-term relationship was recognised by Simon ten Brinke-Jackson, Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director to Zambia, who said: 

"The partnership between Jersey and Zambia has demonstrated how long-term collaboration can support nationally led priorities and deliver tangible benefits for farmers and rural communities." 

A recurring theme throughout the event was the unique contribution of the Jersey breed to smallholder dairy farming. Delegates heard from farmers and industry experts who shared practical experiences and research demonstrating the breed's adaptability and productivity. 

Over the three days, delegates heard how Jersey's internationally recognised dairy expertise is being applied far beyond the Island, helping improve productivity, livelihoods and opportunities for dairy farming families across Africa. 

As Florence Muslime Umurungi, former Secretary of the Rwanda National Dairy Platform and Chairperson of the Dairy Africa Alliance, reflected: 

‘The Jersey cow has become a shared language across the African continent’ 

Research presented during the conference reinforced the breed's importance for smallholder farmers. Dr Kolawole Odubote of the University of Zambia remarked: 

"The Jersey breed appears to be the pinnacle animal for smallholder dairy farmers. The Jersey is able to crossbreed with many other breeds, and still achieve phenomenal results”  

Meanwhile, Innocent Rwamuhizi a technical consultant for the JOA funded Royal Jersey Agricultural & Horticultural Society projects in Rwanda highlighted the breed's efficiency and suitability for African farming systems: 

"In Africa, a cow is not measured by its size, but in its ability to convert limited resources into profitable dairy farming and nutrient dense food. In that, the Jersey is unmatched."

Following the conference sessions, delegates visited several projects including a milk collection centre and women’s saving group, dairy providing an opportunity to see first-hand how Jersey’s investments in the dairy sector are improving productivity and creating new opportunities for farmers and rural communities. These visits reinforced the Forum's emphasis on practical learning and peer to peer knowledge exchange.  

The Forum concluded with Deputy Labey presenting the inaugural African Jersey Forum Lifetime Achievement Award to Effatah Jele, recognising more than five decades of contribution to Zambia's dairy sector and her commitment to supporting women in agriculture.  

Accepting the award, she shared a message for future generations: 

"My message to young women; it is not difficult to break through when you do the right thing."  

As the largest African Jersey Forum to date, the event demonstrated the growing influence of the Jersey breed across the continent and the strength of the relationships helping drive progress. Through collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainable development, the Forum showcased how Jersey's expertise continues to support stronger dairy sectors and lasting benefits for farming communities across Africa.