Bahir Dar Dairy Cooperative

Bahir Dar Dairy Cooperative (BDDC) is a primary cooperative which was established in July 2004 (GC) in Amhara regional state, West Gojam Zone of Bahirdar City, with a starting capital of Birr 31,000 ($1573) collected from the sale of shares to its 32 founding members (26 males and 6 females). The cooperative sells raw milk, local cheese and butter to consumers, hotels, cafeterias, and other customers. The main product is raw milk, while cottage (local) cheese and butter are produced mainly during fasting times. The cooperative has no chilling equipment or insulated truck. Hence a modified Bajaj motorbike has been used to transport milk and dairy products. Today, members of the cooperative have reached 50 (42 males & 8 females); the net capital of the cooperative in 2013 was Br 280,000 ($14,213) and the member’s dairy herds currently consists of 412 cows. The daily supply of milk from each farmer ranges from 5 liters to 120 liters per day, with overall average supply of 1625 lt per day to BDDC. Along with the milk collection and marketing activity, BDDC also provides feed and artificial insemination services to its members.

Purpose of Grant

• Increase the volume of milk collection to 2750 lt per day so that members can sell more milk;
• Improve the quality of the milk by installing milk chilling tank and utilizing aluminum milk cans;
• Enable the cooperative to transport the milk, butter and cheese to its customers, including processors, to enhance market accessibility.