Jersey takes centre stage at international dairy conference in Zambia

The AJF, which has grown significantly since its inception in 2019, is an international dairy conference organised by the Royal Jersey Agricultural & Horticultural Society (RJAH&S) in partnership with its Dairy for Development project partners and funded by Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA). The event brings together stakeholders from the dairy industry including farmers, governments, researchers and development partners from Africa and beyond to share knowledge and practical experience. The focus across the three days is how the Jersey breed can help build a stronger, more productive and sustainable dairy sector. Key topics include women's economic participation, climate resilience and genetic improvement.

This conference will not only showcase the world-renowned Jersey Cow and raise the Island’s international profile but also demonstrate how Jersey’s expertise in dairy genetics enables us to make a meaningful global contribution as an outward-looking Island and responsible global citizen.

The RJA&HS invited Zambia to host this year’s AJF conference in recognition of the strong partnership between Jersey and Zambia.  JOA has been supporting development initiatives in Zambia for many years and currently has seven active projects across the country, spanning conservation livelihoods, financial inclusion and dairy for development sectors, all key themes in JOA’s International Development Grants programme. The themes for these multi‑year grants are selected for their proven effectiveness in delivering lasting change and focus on areas where Jersey’s skills and expertise can be shared to make a tangible difference. 

The Jersey-Zambia dairy partnership operates under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two governments, first signed in 2022. Since then, the partnership has deepened, with an expanded Dairy for Development presence and high-level visits, including one last year by the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey, Jersey Overseas Aid’s Patron, to reaffirm the shared commitment to collaboration. The MOU focuses on advancing cooperation and benefit in Dairy for Development and strengthening the ongoing bilateral relationship. Deputy Labey will be meeting with Dr. Max Choombe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries & Livestock to renew the MOU and extend the partnership for a further four years.

Deputy Labey commented:

“It's a privilege to represent the Government of Jersey at the African Jersey Forum. This international event shines a spotlight on the Jersey cow and provides an important platform to showcase Jersey’s leadership and contribution to the global dairy sector. It's incredible to see how the AJF has grown from the first edition held in Rwanda in 2019. The Forum showcases the power of Jersey’s dairy industry in transforming opportunities for small holder farmers in less privileged parts of the world by improving household incomes, food security for their families and economic development for rural communities. This event is an important platform to connect with many of our dairy partners from across Africa and beyond, strengthen relationships and explore opportunities to maximise the impact of our collaborative work through JOA and the RJA&HS.”

RJAH&S commented:

“The African Jersey Forum is about bringing together people from across the dairy sector to share knowledge, build relationships and find practical solutions to common challenges. We are immensely proud of how the Forum has grown since its launch in 2019 and are delighted that the Dairy Association of Zambia will be hosting this year’s conference in Zambia, where the RJA&HS and Jersey Overseas Aid have developed such a strong and productive partnership.

Over the three days, delegates will be able to learn from one another, hear directly from farmers and see the impact of dairy development initiatives in practice. We hope the connections and ideas generated through the Forum will lead to further collaboration and help strengthen productive, sustainable and resilient dairy sectors across the region. We are extremely grateful to the Dairy Association of Zambia for hosting the event, and to all our Dairy for Development project partners in Zambia for their support in bringing the conference together.”

Alongside presentations from a wide range of dairy-sector stakeholders, the AJF conference programme will give delegates the opportunity to visit projects funded by JOA and delivered in partnership with RJA&HS. These visits enable delegates to see first-hand how Jersey’s support is strengthening Zambia's dairy sector, improving livelihoods and supporting sustainable rural development, creating meaningful change for individuals, families and communities.

Prior to the conference, representatives of the RJA&HS and Jersey Overseas Aid visited Lesotho to meet with the Ministry of Agriculture and local dairy stakeholders. The aim of the visit was to advance the Lesotho Dairy Industry Strategic Review and the development of a sustainable, locally based national breeding system. This collaboration aims to support the design of a sustainable, Lesotho-based national breeding system to reduce reliance on imported livestock and strengthen long-term productivity and resilience. This visit demonstrates Jersey’s commitment to supporting long-term agricultural resilience and sector transformation across Southern Africa.