The Tadu Dairy Development Model

The TADU Model is a new approach to dairy ranching, which emphasizes organic adaptation through targeted genetics that seeks to enhance the economic performance of indigenous dairy value chains through infusions of appropriate technology. It focus on integration with indigenous systems practiced by the 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 the 15th of 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. It seeks to enhance the performance of indigenous dairy production models 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 seeks to bring together valuable genes in novel combinations that create Crossbred Cattle with desirable environmental adaptations and the capacity to be performant 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 seeks to promote the use of clean milk collection, handling, and storage practices.

Milk Processing

The goal of the TADU Milk Processing Program is to provide avenues for maximum and efficient utilization of all milk constituents through their preservation in alternate forms and types of products, which have good shelf life and can therefore be made available to 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 learned from the TADU Experience to deliver curated short and medium term training courses, and provide opportunities for hands-on learning through internships. Areas of intervention cover the entire milk value chain.

The TADU Dairy Development Model is therefore a hybrid approach with strong emphasis on accompanying the evolution of indigenous dairy value chains from stable to table. The model focuses on enhancing the volume and quality of local milk production through methodical and well monitored Infusions of appropriate technologies that can remove bottle necks from production through processing to marketing.