As GCF’s first dedicated livestock programme, DaIMA aims to strengthen climate resilience, reduce emissions across the dairy value chain and improve the livelihoods of dairy farmers in East Africa.

The dairy sector in East Africa, including Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania, faces significant challenges due to climate change. Dairy farming is a major contributor to these countries' greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and climate change's effects threaten its long-term sustainability. Many dairy farmers struggle with limited market access, challenges in sourcing local feed and fodder, inadequate extension and financial services, and difficulties in risk management. The sector is further impacted by low livestock genetic potential, herd management issues, animal diseases, insufficient extension support, limited awareness of climate-resilient and low-carbon practices and technologies, rangeland degradation and gender inequalities.

DaIMA has a comprehensive and holistic approach to improve all aspects of the dairy sector, from improving policy, institutional and service delivery environments to building the capacity of smallholder farmers, including women, youth and marginalised groups. It will improve access to finance and innovative technologies offering mitigation and adaptation benefits. As a result, dairy farmers and processors will be encouraged to adopt more efficient, climate-resilient practices that enhance incomes and lower production costs.

Key activities include strengthening national capacities and enhancing an enabling environment for a low-emission and climate-resilient dairy sector, enhancing income and productivity for smallholder dairy farmers, cooperatives and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by promoting sustainable climate-resilient and low-emission growth pathways, and establishing a Green Dairy Financing Facility in the four target countries to enhance access to finance for dairy value chain actors, including farmers, cooperatives, SMEs and technology providers.