Dreaming big
Neneng Rosidah and Syipa, dairy farmers from Lembang, Indonesia
All over the world there are female dairy farmers. Yet, in many countries, women achieve yields that are 20-30 percent lower than those of men. Quite often this is because of a limited access to agricultural inputs, knowledge and services. Through our Dairy Development Programme, FrieslandCampina and partners organise targeted activities and trainings for female farmers. In this way we also contribute to SDG5.
With the support of the Dutch government through the FDOV facility, Frisian Flag Indonesia recently started a new project called Kartini Peternak Hebat Indonesia*. Neneng Rosidah and Syipa are two enthusiastic dairy farmers from Lembang, Indonesia who participate in the project.
It is about being a skilled farmer, not about gender
Neneng Rosidah: “I have been a dairy farmer since the past 14 years and currently own 25 cows. On many dairy farms around the world, women are responsible for tasks such as feeding the cows, rearing young stock, milking, cleaning and book keeping. However, in Indonesia it is common to see more men in the dairy industry. This is influenced by the Indonesian culture and the perception of women’s role. Nevertheless, I truly believe that women have a place in this industry and that farmers should possess good knowledge and skills regardless of their gender.”
The Kartini Peternak Hebat Indonesia project enables women like me to achieve equality
“The Kartini Peternak Hebat Indonesia project is fantastic as it aims to narrow the existing gap and enables women like me to achieve equality. Through the project I receive trainings and one-on-one advise on how to run my dairy farm better and more sustainably. Besides, I have the opportunity to join gender awareness and financial management trainings which are very valuable.”
For generations to come
Neneng Rosidah: “I dream of having a bigger and more modern farm which can secure a good income for my family. And everything I do is with the long term in mind. My youngest son shows interest to run the farm one day. I find it my responsibility to hand a successful business to him and constantly strive to improve the farm. For example, I just renovated the cowshed which turned out great and made me e role model even for the male farmers within the community.”
Working side by side
Syipa: “A few years ago my husband used to handle all activities related to our dairy farm. However, that has changed and now, I am learning to take responsibility for the financial management and the cows’ feed. I believe that by working closely together, my husband and I do a better job and can pass a healthy business to our son one day.”
The project is of great importance to me as the knowledge I acquire is priceless
“The trainings I receive as part of the Kartini Peternak Hebat Indonesia project will give me the opportunity to be more ambitious with what I want to achieve in the future. The project is of great importance to me as the knowledge I acquire is priceless. Female farmers who are interested in becoming active in the communities even have the chance to follow leadership trainings. It really breaks gender barriers and allows women to grow personally and to establish their roles in local communities.”
*Project Kartini Peternak Hebat Indonesia is part of FDOV Project “Development of Sustainable Dairy Villages in Indonesia” which is a project of FrieslandCampina Nederland, PT Frisian Flag Indonesia, Bles Dairies, Stichting Agriterra, Wageningen UR, Koperasi Peternak Sapi Bandung Utara (KPSBU), Koperasi Peternak Bandung Selatan (KPBS) and the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs.