NLF promotes improvement of cattle health and milk quality by implementation of the NLF 5-layer approach. This concept brings together farmers’ interest and concerns related to animal health and productivity, with government- and market concerns related to dairy development, milk marketing and anti-microbial resistance. See NLF problem tree.
The NLF work in the fours countries have shown that by taking into account both concerns at the same time, and bridging it by piloting practices and enhancing skills at both sides (farmer and government level) – a clear impact can be achieved. See NLF solution tree.
How do farmers benefit?
The application of herbal medicine, strategic use of local breeds and good animal management leads to improved dairy cattle health, wellbeing and productivity. As a result, milk production and farm income increases. The role of female farmers improves, leading to more local marketing initiatives. As a result family level food security based on livestock produce is improved, as well as other socio-cultural functions.
The work on NLF in India and Ethiopia has confirmed that the approach does not only improve cattle health, but also farmer income, farmer self-confidence, market opportunities, and resilience in situation of COVID-19 and climate change.
How do dairy projects, governments and industries benefit?
The issue of AMR (Anti-Microbial Resistance) is a major public health threat. ‘reduction of antibiotics and other chemicals’ is of major interest in government policies, research and dairy companies, in relation to public health, food security, food quality. In this context, the production of high quantities of residue-free milk and quality control systems are of major interest.
Outcome NLF 5-layer strategy: increased resilience!
- More resilient cattle: cattle productive while able to withstand local challenges
- More resilient cattle health system: local service system, farmer independence from government services
- More resilient livelihoods due to strengthened role of women
- More resilient food security in the face of climate change & COVID-19
- More resilient food quality: dairy products free of chemical residues due to antibiotics, insecticides and other veterinary drugs
- More resilient marketing: consumer confidence in residue-free dairy products
- More resilient human & animal health care: reduced Anti-Microbial Resistance
- More resilient environment: improved soil quality, water quality, biodiversity
- More resilient country economics: improved domestic dairy production, reduced need of imports of livestock products & chemicals
- Lower CO2 footprint in livestock production: reduced use of cropland for livestock feed, improved soil fertility