The Inspiring Journey of Ano Kare Dairy Primary Cooperative

25-01-2025

Written by Seifu Bogale, Cooperative Advisor in Ethiopia

Ano Kare Dairy Primary Cooperative has become a beacon of success in the dairy industry, but its journey has been anything, but easy. Established in 2000 GC, the cooperative faced significant challenges in its early years. Yet, thanks to the timely intervention and support from Agriterra through the BRIDGE+ project, Ano Kare Dairy has transformed from a struggling cooperative into a thriving enterprise, making a substantial impact on its members and the community.

In its early years, Ano Kare Dairy Cooperative collected around 1,200 litres of milk per day, linking primarily with two dairy processors to sell 45ETB per litre. The cooperative had 172 members, and with just 852 ETB in its account, financial stability was a distant dream. Unfortunately, poor management and an unfavourable agreement with PRIME Dairy PLC led to significant losses. The cooperative lost approximately 900,000 ETB, and the volume of milk collected dwindled to just 400 litres per day. Disillusioned, many members began delivering their milk to local traders instead, further weakening the cooperative.

Rebuilding the cooperative 

However, a turning point arrived with the intervention of Agriterra. Recognising the cooperative's potential, Agriterra provided continuous follow-up and coaching, beginning with the replacement of the previous management committee. This new leadership, guided by Agriterra’s expertise, began the task of rebuilding the cooperative from the ground up.

The results of Agriterra’s intervention have been nothing short of remarkable. Today, Ano Kare Dairy Cooperative collects 8,000 litres of milk per day—a significant leap from its earlier capacity. The cooperative has made strong agreements with two new processors: Lame Dairy Share Company and Sebeta Agro-Industry and sold 55ETB per liter. Sebeta Agro-Industry, recognising the cooperative’s improved management and reliability, even installed two chillers at the cooperative’s compound, each having a capacity of 5000 and 2000 litres which means a total capacity of 7,000 litres.

 
Ano Kare cooperative with milk-bulking cars

The cooperative’s membership has also dramatically increased, growing from 172 to 408 members. Financial management has been revolutionised; the cooperative now conducts all transactions through the bank, ensuring transparency and accountability. This shift has enabled the cooperative to repay the money lost to its members due to past mismanagement.

With a renewed focus on efficiency and sustainability, Ano Kare Dairy Cooperative has invested in modern technology, purchasing a laptop computer and printer to streamline data management. The cooperative’s success has also had a ripple effect, allowing it to support other cooperatives, such as Egdu and Alidoro Dairy Cooperatives, by selling their 1,200 and 1,500 litres of milk per day, respectively.


The laptop computer and printer were purchased through their own budget

The success of Ano Kare Dairy Cooperative has set a new standard in the region. With plans to purchase vehicles to collect milk from various collection centres, the cooperative is poised to expand its reach and impact even further. The leadership and members of Ano Kare Dairy Cooperative have demonstrated that even the most challenging situations can be overcome with the right guidance and a collective will to succeed.

Ano Kare Dairy Primary Cooperative’s story is a testament to the power of collaboration, and strategic intervention. What was once a struggling cooperative on the brink of collapse has now become a thriving enterprise, delivering benefits not just to its members but also to the wider community. As the cooperative continues to grow, it serves as an inspiration to others, proving that with determination and the right support, any challenge can be turned into an opportunity for success.


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