A COW FOR SRI LANKA
Project for the improvement of the conditions of life in Pallepola.

At present, we develop a dairy cow program for the poorest 75 families of Pallepola which send their children to the local school.
The intention, over a 2 year period (2009-2010), is to look after :

• a training programme delivered by the Veterinary Office
• the purchase of 150 dairy cows (2 per family), so that the families can generate extra income from the sale of milk and of the sale of calves
• the organisation of local follow-up during and after the 2 year period : purchase of cattle-fodder, care of the animals, self-dependancing of the program

In the meantime, we want to continue to support the local school.

up

Presentation of the dairy cow project

The main income of the population of Pallepola consists of agriculture or as day labourer. No irrigation systems are available, meaning that the population depends on rainfall periods. The income is low for the following reasons :

• Decrease of land, from generation to generation
• Irregular rainfall pattern
• Lack of high yielding and drought resistant crop varieties

The yearly income of the population amounts to some 1000 USD (approx. 850 Euro). This leads to a very low standard of living for the parents of the schoolchildren, malnutrition and chronical diseases with some of the children.

a living room, bedroom and kitchen

In order to change this situation it is essential to develop a program which improves the income level of these villagers in the long term.

The parents and teachers of the Junior School in Pallepola gathered with representatives of the Department of Animal Production and Health and the Government Veterinary Office
The group unanimously decided to propose a dairy cow development program.

75 families send their children to the school in Pallepola. This group of 75 families (=parents + children + relatives living in the same home) are the beneficiaries of the project.

The village store

The dairy cow project encompasses a theoretical preparation through a training program organised by the Veterinary Office, a practical preparation and finally the management of the dairy cattle.

Theoretical preparation

Each family participates in a training program about dairy cattle management, organised by the Veterinary Office.

Among the subjects treated are :

• Management of dairy cattle
• Buidling a shed
• Pasture cultivation and fertilizing
• Breeding animals through artificial insemination
• Calves management
• Production of pure milk

Each family delegates one family member to follow the training. The 75 participants will be subdivided into three groups of 25 farmers and each group gets a two day training program.

Practical preparation

For the animals a cattle shed needs to be built with locally available raw material.
Each family will be provided with improved varieties of pasture cuttings. They need to sow and cultivate them using kitchen waste water, cattle shed washing water and manure.

When this is done and verified, each family will receive 2 cross-bred dairy cows.

Dairy cattle management

Beneficiaries have to manage their cows according to the instructions given by the officers of the Dept. of Animal Production and Health (Govt. Veterinary Office - Galewela, Livestock Development Instructor - Pallepola).

Breeding

It is planned to breed the animals by artificial insemination, through the Veterinary Office. The expenses for this will be paid by the beneficiaries, the intervention of the veterinarian is free of charge.

Expected outcome of the project

A cow produces 4 to 5 liters of milk per day, giving a daily production of 8 to 10 liter.
The families can keep a portion for their own consumption. The rest of the milk can be sold to the other villagers and/or to milk collectors (Milco company, Milk co-op, Nestle company,...).
The calves can be sold.

Estimation of costs and benefits of the program

Training program : 3 training sessions of 2 days for 25 people, given by an instructor of the Veterinary Office.
Lecture fee : 211 Euro.
Purchasing of the cows : one cow costs 245 Euro. Total purchase cost of 75 x 2 cows: 36.750 Euro.

Total contribution of Sri Lanka in our heart : 36.961 Euro.

Local contribution :
- population : artificial insemination, purchase of sowing-seeds and cattle-fodder, insurance of the animals.
- ministry : free intervention of the veterinarian (illness, artificial insemination,...)

Expected yearly income

Assumptions :
- Average production of milk / family / day : 8 to 10 liter
- Sales price of the milk : 0,18 Euro per liter

Total yearly milk production : 8 liter x 360 days x 75 families : 216.000 liter
Sales value of the milk : 216.000 liter x 0,18 Euro : Eur 38.880
Sales price of the calves : 75 calves x 61 Euro : Eur 4.575
Total income / year : Eur 43.455

This calculation assumes that the cows will produce milk immediately and can be inseminated immediately. In the starting period there will probably be no or few income. It is a theoretical model to calculate the total yield of the project.

Costs - benefits

Total cost for Sri Lanka in our heart : Eur 36.961
Total yield : Eur 43.455

Extra yearly income per family (from which certain costs need to be deducted) : 580 Euro, on top of the actual yearly income of approx. 850 Euro.

An approach phased over 2 years

For our organisation, gathering some 37.000 Euro is quite a challenge.
We will continue to support the school and at the same time start this project for the village community.

With the project committee it has been agreed to develop the program over a 2 year period :
- 2009 : training, building of sheds, cultivation of the land, purchase of one cow per family
- 2010 : purchase of the second cow, monitor and guarantee the self-dependancy of the project management

Why dairy cows ?

Each year, Sri Lanka imports large amounts of milk powder.
The government, the Department of Animal Production and Health and the Government Veterinary Office develop programs based on dairy cattle and the recovery of arable land. Several countries and organisations support these programs.

The dairy cow project consists of a training program and the purchase of 2 cows per family.
Management of the cattle will be done in groups of 5 to 10 families (sharing of pasture land)

It goes without saying that the project encompasses more than just the purchase of cows. The community will need to get organised in order to guarantee the long term success of the program. This will require the set-up of local structures allowing the autonomous management of the program and its further development.

Reports on the internet and feedback from the project committee learn that this type of projects can set a community in motion.

Over the 2 year period, we want to discuss the feasibility and help setting-up the following :

• common sales of the milk (to obtain better conditions)
• common purchase of cattle fodder, sowing-seed, ... again to obain better conditons
• extension of the herd through the conservation of calves (Livestock Bank)
• production of cheese, curd (milk yoghurt),… and other added-value products
  
• set-up of a 'Savings Account' which can help the community
• develop programs around cheap loans for the population (locally organised micro-credits)
• set-up of social facilities, organisation of healthcare,...

up

A cow for Sri Lanka : who does what ?

Community of schools 'De Driehoek'"De Driehoek" (Meldert - Baardegem - Denderbelle)

The community of schools 'De Driehoek' was approached end of last year. Mrs. Katheleen Baeten, the headmistress, was enthousiastic and would come back to us. Which she did, proposing to develop an educational program and to organise a fund-raising action in the 3 primary schools. The educational program should include a presentation on Sri Lanka, on the village of Pallepola and the school we support and on the cow project.

The program was developed. The presentations on Sri Lanka were given in mid-February, the second part followed in March. During the whole time, information on the country and the project was visibly posted at the entrance of the schools.

The headmistress expected a short presentation, a powerpoint including a lot of images, adapted to the different levels in the school. The infants watched a short 15 minutes video presenting the country : the beach, the daily life in the street, they saw elephants, crocodiles,...
The presentation was more elaborate for the primary school, with information on the country, its population, the religions, the conditions of life,...
We made tea and all children could taste papadam with mango chutney. A 'savoured' experience (well, at least for most of the pupils...).

up

School in Liezele (Puurs)

Last year, Bart & Veerle Boeykens, adoptive parents from our association, presented our project to the school. The teachers were enthusiastic and wanted to set-up an action for Pallepola. Bart presented the school and the village.

The school organised a hot-dog sale and we were invited to participate in the Christmas market organised by the school.

This year, on Good Friday, the pupils could enjoy a simple Sri Lankan meal, chicken curry and rice, prepared by Suna, a Sri Lankan living in Puurs. The contribution for the meal was dedicaed to our project.

For the school this is a good opportunity to give attention to this type of projects. And through Bart and Veerle and their 2 sons, there is a 'concrete link' towards the subject.

On May 25, during the yearly school party, Bart officially received the cheque : 730 Euro ! (or almost 3 cows...). A warm thank you to everyone who contributed to this success !

up

Action during the Fast period in Puurs

This year, Sri Lanka in our heart was part of a group of organisations who will benefit from the walking-tour organised by the 7 schools in Puurs. As a counterpart, our project needed to be presented in the schools.

For the maternity classes and the first degree, a big heart was placed in the middle of the playground for the children to deposit their contribution. The higher degree went from door to door to collect funds.

On June 3, during a press presentation, the results were announced : the schools collected 30.000 Euro, in favour of some 15 projects. Sri Lanka in our heart receives 2000 Euro, or the equivalent of 8 cows !!

up

Planning

• July - August 2008 : training program, construction of stables
• September - October : pasture cultivation, fertilization,... during the rainy period
• Verification by the Ministry
• Purchase of the first dairy cows and gradual extension to all families
• 2009 : continuation of the purchasing, organisation of the sale of milk
• 2010 : handover of the project to the local project committee

up

Progress report

July 2008

On July 21 we receive an email. The project committee has invited all families for a discussion and has made an agreement with the Ministry.
The training program starts on July 27. In the meantime the families have already gathered the materials to build the sheds.

On July 30 we receive a progress report with some pictures of the training given on July 27 in the school building. We are trying to improve the quality of the pictures.

In the meantime, some families already started to build their cattle shed.

Next steps : finalise the training program, build the sheds and buy the pasture cuttings.

up

September 2008

End of September a new message arrives. Most of the sheds are built. The pasture cuttings have been bought and the women come to pick up their share. Planting can start.

November 2008

End of october we had some mail exchanges. The preparations are finalised and some families already contacted the Veterinary Surgeon.
During the weekend of November 7 the village community will gather with the project committee in order to discuss the practical measures when starting the purchase of the cows.

For our organisation this is the right time to transfer a first big sum of money. As planned we will start purchasing one cow for each family in the project. Thanks to the support of all our contributors, and this year especially schools, we are able to keep our commitments.

December 2008

The first series of cows have been purchased ! We did not receive any pictures yet, the committee sent an overview of the timing and planning of the purchasing process. Cows are bought in batches of approx. 15. By mid January, all 75 families will have received one cow. In the course of 2009 they will receive, as planned, a second cow.

up

January 2009

End of January we receive some mail messages. Due to heavy rain, the end of year schedule has been adapted. The purchase of cows is being done now. Here's an extract from a mail :

"Now purchasing is in progress. They are little behind the purchasing schedule of the dairy cows due to the rainy climatic condition prevailed in the area. They purchase cattle according to your instructions, that is getting Invoices and Veterinary surgeons certificate. Now people are very happy and you may discuss with them during your visit. Herewith I attached some photoes of purchased cows. Unfortunately there are no photoes of transportation of cows. I will send them later.
Please convey the gratitude of villagers to members of Sri Lanka in your heart."

And here are the first pictures.

up

March 2009

Beginning of March, family Vyvey visits the school and the village. In one of the classes, the children learn about cows and are making a drawing.

During the visit, the children receive a glass of milk, a first for the school, and a candy which they eat very slowly. Some find the taste of milk strange : when they have milk at home, it is mostly based on milk powder. They are not used to the taste and for some it was the first time in their life they had fresh milk.

After the visit of the school the family participates in the official opening of the office of the newly created association : “Arunodaya Dairy Farmers Society”. Arunodaya means ‘rising sun’.

The Arunodaya society has been created by the school committee and integrates other leading people from the village.
All beneficiaries of the project must become a member of the society, which asks a small monthly fee of 50 rupees. This money may be used by the association in the framework of the dairy cow project, but can also be used to support families (e.g. when there is a funeral).

During the opening ceremony the beneficiaries receive their contracts : they obtain an ownership declaration, a contract stipulating all conditions they have to respect within the project and a file for the follow-up of each animal (health condition, milk output,…).

The official part is concluded by a song and danse performed by some of the children. We are invited to some snacks and the typical king coconut. An occasion to talk to the members of the committee and the families who are present.

Then we start the tour of the village, visiting some of the families.
We immediately see the result of the training sessions : in their garden the families built a shelter for the cows, all according to the same principle and ‘look’. In most cases a concrete floor with a feeding-trough made of bricks, and a roof made of wood, palm leaves or roof tiles. Some used corrugated iron, but these will be replaced as they do not offer enough cooling.

We also see the grass which has been planted in September/October of 2008. Since then, weather conditions have been very bad, it hasn’t rained since the beginning of this year. New pasture cuttings will need to be planted.

The cows have been purchased in different regions in Sri lanka.
Typically the transaction are being done in cash. For each transaction an official document is used as proof (Government Form G35). When animals come from another district, a special permit is required for their transport (Permit for removal of animals from one administrative district to another).

The cows are mostly Jersey’s (light brown colour), there are quite some Frisian cows (black and white), some are Sahiwal cows and then there are the cross-breds. These cows produce more milk than the typical local dairy cows. They are well adapted to the Dry Zone climate, but cannot endure too much warmth. That is why they remain in the shelter a big part of the day, and why they are fed with the grasses.

During our visit some calves are born. At certain homes we saw milk churns waiting to be collected.

Mid April, Ms Stabel from vzw Adoptie Sri Lanka visits the village. In the meantime, some 27 families already bring their milk to the central collection point in the village. The output is between 4 and 8 litres per cow (we assume that some families use part of the milk for their own consumption). Everything is written down. The milk is collected by Nestlé. At the end of the week every family gets paid.

One liter of milk is sold at approx. 40 Rupees (exchange rateon May 8, 2009 : 1 Euro = 158 Rupees).
For 6 litres this is 240 Rupees or some 10 Euro per week. On an annual basis this represents 500 Euro. This calculation remains theoretical, but it shows the positive impact of the project. We will elaborate on this later this year, when the committee will provide the figures over a longer period of time.

up

July 2009

In July we receive an update on the situation. Some 38 families (approx. half of the beneficiaries) sell milk. We also receive the first pictures of the central collection point in the village where the milk is delivered and collected by the milk collector.

up

December 2009

In December we visit the village again. The meeting point is the office of the Arunodaya Society.

On the first day we have an appointment with some people from the committee to review the books. Since our last visit in March we received some emails, but few financial information.

With Mr Kohona we check the accounts of the Arunodaya society. The complete accounting is now done on PC. We easily identify the several accounts : the invoices for purchasing the cows are all registered, the transport costs, costs for the veterinary, training, purchasing grasses, even the smaller office costs are accounted for.
We iknsist to receive an electronic copy by email on a regular basis.

After our visit in March, the sales of milk gradually started. In July we learn that almost half of all families allready sell milk. During our visit in December we see in the books that all families now have an extra income. Due to the insemination of some animals however, certain cows do not produce milk for the moment.

Organisation

Each morning, before 7:30, the families bring their milk to the office - annex milk collecting point of the society. The milk is weighed and tested on lactose level, which determines the price. The actual sales price varies from 26 to 30 rupees per liter, depending on the quality.

Each family received a booklet from Nestlé in which the number of liters and the lactose degree is noted down on a daily basis. Thesociety copies these data in a monthly overview.

Each day at about 7:30, a small Nestlé van collects the milk and brings it to a cooling center. There the milk is tested more elaborately.

Every fortnight Nestlé transmits the overview in the form of a computerlisting. The listing mentions all families who delivered milk, the quantity, quality and price per liter. Finally it lists the total amount each family will receive for those 14 days.

The families contribute 50 cents per liter to the savings account. For the families this is a very small amount, approx. 1,67% of the gain. This is a rather symbolic contribution, but in the long term the society will be able to constitute some savings.

Nestlé takes up this part of the administration : the fortnightly statements are used to pay the families. From each amount, the contribution of 50 cents per liter is deducted and transferred to the savings account.

An example : November 2009

For the first fornight of November, we have the following data :

• 41 families sold milk
• total number of liters : 2.766,65
• total amount : 82.221 Rupees

The average number of liters per family was 67,5 for the fortnight, or approx. 4,8 liter per day.
The average price per liter amounts to 29,71 Rupees.
The average benefit per family is 2.005 Rupees or some 4.000 Rupees on a monthly basis. From this amount, the contribution to the savings account of approx. 67 Rupees is deducted.
The average benefit per family amounts to some 24,5 Euro per month.

The calculation is theoretical of course, because not all families will have the same yield and it will not be constant over the year. The calculation only demonstrates that the project is beneficial to the families.

Planned extension of the project in 2010

Right from the start, the project was spread over 2 years (2008 - 2009) during which we would collect funds to buy the cows. When starting the purchase beginning of 2009, the committee opted for cows which would quickly produce milk. It was important for the families, who followed a training course and built a cow shed, to see a direct benefit from the project.

For the extension, the approach will be different. The committee prefers to choose calves from registered farms. The farms work under the 'National Livestock Development Board' and breed animals who are more resistant and have a higher milk production.

For the extension, these calves will be preferred : the urgency is less now, all families allready have an extra income, and waiting is less critical now. This choice will influence the total cost of this second phase, as the purchase price should be lower than for the first phase.

We insisted with the committee that priority should be given to the poorer families in the village and that they should consider to extend the project to other families. In the first phase, certain criteria were taken into account such as the scolarity of the children. Family income for instance was not taken into account. This will change in the second phase. People who already owned a cow and receiveed one through the project, will not automatically receive a second one. We asked the committee consider this and if necessary to adapt the contracts. They will examine the question and get back to us.

Based on all these elements, we asked a new quotation for the second phase, or better, we asked a full update of the program. The committe will review the number of calves needed and will transmit an average cost per animal.

'Harvesting grass'

Mid Januari we receive some pictures of mowing, collecting and transport of grasses for the animals.

up

June 2010

Waiting is always long, even though it was known upfront. After long discussions, the comitttee decided to change the approach for the purchase of the second cow. At the beginning of the project it was very important that the families would receive their first cow almost all at the same time. This operation was well conducted, nonwithstanding some wrong purchases. People needed to experience the impact of the program immediately. In the end, a lot was asked from them : participation in the training, building a shelter, growing grasses,... The approach in 2009 was successful, we have seen the results at the end of the year.

For 2010 the approach will be different. The committee will buy 'heifers' from state farms. Heifers are young cows which have not yet had their first calf. Young fertile animals.

The calves are now bought from state farms, and not on the marketplace. Which gives an additionnal gauarantee : the animals have had a beter medical follow-up, are part of a state program for the improvement of the breeds,... They should be more resistent and yield more milk in the end.

Below we present the first images of the calves which arrived in the village. Thanks to you we can now offer a 2nd calf to 82 families (originally they were 75) and in doing so we hope to offer them a more stable income.

up

September 2010 : Milk sales and final phase of cow purchase

The purchase of the second cow is somewhat slower than expected. About 50 animals have now been purchased. From the short mail, we understand that we are in the final stage, and so we have already requested invoices and accounts.

With the same message we received some pictures of the daily milk collection and also of the payment to the families.

up

September 2010 : Startup of yoghurt production

Immediately after the previous message we got another one. The committee has taken the initiative to start the production of yogurt. Again in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, which provided training.
Some families followed the training course and can now start production.

From the outset, this project focused on independence and self-management. After two years we would transfer the project, and it is up to the committee to accompany the project.

Yogurt was already discussed, but then we responded with a very European perspective : if everyone starts to produce yogurt it will be hard to sell, the committee should organize and monitor,.... And we had some other reservations. We asked the committee to reconsider this and to formulate a new proposal.

We did not receive a new proposal, but are now informed that they started it. Beautiful ! We are sure the committee will have taken into account some of our remarks, not all families joined the program,.... But it is time now to return to our starting point: transferring the project.

And in these circumstances we will be able to transfer the project with pleasure in our heart and with the belief that it will succeed.
But before handing over, we need to await the finalisation of the cow purchases.

At this stage, we want to repeat the words of Rudi De Koker, which have been our rationale since the start of the cow project : 'Not charity, but cooperation. Launch the motor, so the machine can start and keep running"

up