A Triumph of Persistence

Written by Elizabeth Gezahegn, Cooperative Advisor Ethiopia

Chercher Oda Bultum Union Secures 16 Hectares of Free Land for Dairy Expansion!

In the heart of Ethiopia, the Chercher Oda Bultum Farmers Cooperative Union has been a beacon of progress since its inception in 2005. Starting with just 62 primary cooperatives, the union has grown into a robust organisation with 178 member cooperatives representing over 74,257 families. What began with a modest capital of 714,000 birr has now blossomed into an entity with a capital base of 150 million birr.

The union has played a pivotal role in the agricultural development of the region, providing its members with access to essential inputs and helping them add value to their products through marketing activities that include exporting coffee, haricot beans, and cattle products, and engaging in cattle fattening, milk production, and processing.

Despite its many successes, the union faced a significant challenge in realising the full potential of its dairy industry. While the Chercher Oda Bultum districts are home to a large livestock population, the dairy sector has yet to be economically developed. The union, which operated a traditional barn housing 500 cows, was eager to expand its dairy farm and build a modern barn to better serve the community by producing milk at affordable prices.

In September 2023, the union participated FACT (Farmer Advocacy Consultation Tool) training, where five of its members identified a critical need for land to expand their dairy operations. Originally, the union had considered lobbying for market access for their region’s Chat production, a green leaf that brings significant hard currency to Ethiopia. However, due to legal policy restrictions from Agriterra, the union shifted its focus to securing land for dairy farm expansion. Their goal was to obtain 20 hectares of land to build a modern barn and support the growth of their dairy business.

With newfound clarity and purpose, the union, supported by Agriterra, produced a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) proposal in November 2023. This proposal was the product of careful planning, aiming to articulate the union's vision for expanding its dairy farm to better serve the community. A validation workshop, held in December 2023 with key stakeholders in attendance, provided crucial feedback and set the stage for the next steps.

Following the validation, the union embarked on a rigorous lobbying campaign. They engaged with stakeholders at various levels, ensuring that their request was heard loud and clear. Their persistence paid off when the Woreda administration agreed to form a technical committee to assess the union's needs. After careful deliberation, the Chero Godehora Kebele administration granted the union 16 hectares (160,000 square meters) of land—completely free of charge. This land, currently valued between 20 to 24 million birr (201,680 Euros), was a monumental achievement for the union and a testament to the power of strategic lobbying and community support.

The committee's recommendation, based on a thorough assessment of the union's proposal, led to the Kebele administration’s decision to donate the land, along with the official minutes and site plan. With this generous allocation, the Chercher Oda Bultum Union now had the foundation it needed to expand its dairy farm and build a modern barn.

The union's next steps involve developing the land according to the plan and submitting the necessary documentation to the Oda Bultum Woreda Administration and Zone Investment Bureau for certification. This victory not only marks a significant milestone for the union but also represents the power of persistence and strategic advocacy.



Through determination, careful planning, and the support of Agriterra, Chercher Oda Bultum Union has secured the resources it needs to expand its dairy operations and continue to uplift the community it serves. This land grant is not just a gift; it is a testament to the union's vision for a brighter, more prosperous future.