In the heart of Kiamumbi, Kiambu County, Alphaxard Ndung’u, a 31-year-old visionary, embarked on a journey that began with a single dairy cow on his parents’ farm six years ago.
Today, his venture, Alpham Farm, boasts a thriving herd of 30 cows and heifers, underscoring the power of unwavering dedication in the realm of agriculture.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Nurturing the Seed: From One Cow to Thirty
Six years ago, Ndung’u embarked on a bold venture by starting with just one dairy cow on his parent’s farm in Kiamumbi.
Today, his farm, named Alpham, boasts a thriving herd of 30 cows and heifers.
“I have been able to increase the number to 30 inclusive of heifers and dairy cows. I have leased an eighth of an acre for five years at Sh60,000 per year to expand my farm and I plan to buy it over time,” Alpham said during an Interview with the Star.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges, but Ndung’u’s dedication and commitment to quality have paid off.
He firmly believes that consistency is the bedrock of success in the agriculture sector, and his growth trajectory is a testament to that belief.
Meeting Demand for Quality and Quantity
Situated in the densely populated area of Kiamumbi, Kiambu county, Ndung’u’s Alpham farm has a mission – to meet the insatiable demand for both quality and quantity of milk.
Producing 250 liters of milk daily, Ndung’u acknowledges that even this output is insufficient to quench the thirst of local consumers.
He has established his brand on the promise of unadulterated milk, a factor that has earned him a loyal customer base over the years.
“Our milk is not adulterated and this has helped me maintain my customers for a long time. We do home deliveries and also supply milk to schools,” he said.
His milk is priced between Sh40 to Sh70 per liter, tailoring rates to different segments of consumers, including traders, schools, and individuals.
Embracing Value Addition for Enhanced Returns
Ndung’u’s ambitions have led him to embrace value addition as a strategic growth avenue.
He envisions producing products such as yogurt, mala, and pasteurized milk, acknowledging the initial costs and expenses of this endeavor.
Despite the added challenges, he is optimistic about the higher returns that value addition can offer.
He is determined to expand his market presence and cater to a diverse consumer base.
A Learning Hub and Community Asset
Beyond being a dairy production center, Alpham farm has evolved into a beacon of knowledge for fellow farmers.
Ndung’u’s dedication to sharing his expertise has led to collaborations with organizations like Hand-in-Hand East Africa, through which he imparts dairy production skills to other farmers.
For a fee, visitors can experience the farm firsthand, gaining insights into effective dairy management and production techniques.
Ndung’u also plans to extend his educational reach to schools, nurturing an early interest in agriculture among children.
Navigating Challenges and Innovations
Animal feed costs remain a significant challenge for Ndung’u and his dairy enterprise.
The escalating prices of feed concentrates, such as soybean and sunflower, have impacted his production costs.
In response, he has taken matters into his own hands by producing his own fodder and silage.
This innovation not only mitigates costs but also enhances his control over the quality of feed.
The Path Ahead: Government Support and Unyielding Passion
Ndung’u acknowledges the potential of the dairy sector in meeting growing milk demands.
However, he underscores the need for improved legislation and government intervention to propel the industry forward.
He advocates for mainstreaming input prices to ensure the sustainability of dairy farming.
Employing seven individuals and occasionally hiring casual laborers, Ndung’u’s commitment to his community extends beyond his farm gate.
He advises fellow farmers to consider insuring their animals, recognizing the value of such a safeguard, particularly during disease outbreaks.
In closing, Ndung’u emphasizes that passion is the driving force behind successful agricultural enterprises.
He acknowledges the hurdles and setbacks that accompany the journey, but he firmly believes that tenacity and dedication pave the way for triumph.
