A hybrid approach
The TADU Model is a new approach to dairy ranching that emphasizes organic adaptation through targeted genetics. It seeks to enhance the economic performance of indigenous dairy value chains through infusions of appropriate technology, with a focus on integration with systems practiced by pastoralist Cattle Fulani men and women rather than replacing them.
Prior to 1990, dairy development in Cameroon was rather exclusionary, and heavily favored replacing low-input traditional dairy production systems with import-dependent commercial intensive systems.
Created on 15 November 1990, the TADU Dairy Cooperative Society (TDCS) functions as a multi-purpose cooperative which provides its members with access to new breeds, sustainable dairy and beef production best practices, modern milk and meat processing technologies, and proven product marketing strategies. The TADU Dairy Development Model introduced a more inclusive hybrid alternative, with emphasis on integration rather than replacement, through five key elements.
QUANTITY — milk and meat production
While much can be done to increase productivity by improving management systems and controlling livestock diseases, ultimately the productivity of an animal is limited by its genetics. The TADU Cattle Crossbreeding Program brings together valuable genes in novel combinations that create crossbred cattle with desirable environmental adaptations and the capacity to perform under challenging local circumstances.
QUALITY milk production
Traditional milk value chains are generally characterized by significant post-harvest losses due to unhygienic milk procurement practices. The TADU Quality Milk Production Program promotes clean milk collection, handling, and storage practices.
Milk processing
The TADU Milk Processing Program provides avenues for maximum and efficient utilization of all milk constituents through preservation in alternate forms and types of products with good shelf life, so they can reach consumers in distant urban centers.
Product marketing
The TADU Product Marketing Strategy seeks to establish a products, technologies, and support services label backed by exceptional quality, proven consumer acceptability, and demonstrated market demand.
Capacity building
The TADU Capacity Building Program builds on lessons from the TADU experience to deliver curated short- and medium-term training courses and hands-on internships. Areas of intervention cover the entire milk value chain.
The TADU Dairy Development Model is a hybrid approach with strong emphasis on accompanying the evolution of indigenous dairy value chains from stable to table. It focuses on enhancing the volume and quality of local milk production through methodical, well-monitored infusions of appropriate technologies that can remove bottlenecks from production through processing to marketing.