FAO/Andrea Theador

A fodder producer has encouraged livestock keepers in his area to replace the use of traditional fodder with nutrient fodder capsules that will eventually enhance the animals’ production of milk and/or meat. He is Mohammed Al Khalaf, from Abo Joreen in rural Aleppo.  Despite the challenging circumstances, he has managed to implement his idea despite seven years of delay.

With the changing situation and working environment in Syria after 11 years of crisis, Mohammed realized that the traditional ways of production and management were not suited to the new realities facing Syrian farmers.  He realized he needed a better understanding of business management and promotion. This is when he heard of FAO’s ‘Nabta’ specialized programme in agri-business entrepreneurship (implemented under the smallholder support programme funded by the European Union). 

‘Nabta’ delivers to young participants a series of sessions to develop their abilities and ideas to create solutions which can contribute to the improvement of food production in the country.  The programme includes managerial topics such as business idea development, proposal writing and preparation of promotion plans, Mohammed had researched the fodder production business extensively (including experiments with new mixes) and the market opportunities within the area he was trying to target: “I am aware that livestock keepers are constantly looking to improve the dairy and meat production to increase their profits. The key factor in this is the provision of a well-balanced fodder mix, which was my aim.” Said Mohammed.

Previously, the common fodder used in Abo Joreen was made of hay and barley, though this lacks the necessary nutrients for animals. It was even imported to Abu Joreen from other parts of rural Aleppo, as area’s farms lacked the land to plant anything other than cereals and vegetables.

Mohammed’s project proposal was considered strong enough to be selected by FAO’s technical review panel to receive a grant. With this support, Mohammed was able to buy the essential machinery and initial inputs to produce a sample batch of fodder mix. “FAO experts guided me through the project start up, they contributed to the selection of a suitable machine type, as well as the allocation of proper fodder ingredients’ ratios.” Said Mohammed “I have widened the mixtures list - 100 percent chemicals free - to suit each livestock keeper’s requirements, by either using cheaper ingredients or by formulating mixes that may increase the production rates of milk.” He added.

With the help of family and friends spreading the word, Mohammed has created an excellent selling service and he delivers to the customers' doorstep.

As the seemingly costly fodders made by Mohammed turned out to be much more effective than the regular fodder, his reputation has grown. Farmers in Abo Joreen report positive improvements in the health and productivity of their cattle and birds, thanks to the nutritious qualities of intensive fodder capsules.

“One of the farmers told me that thanks to using the intensive fodder capsules, his milk production went up from 10 litres to up to 16 litres per day.” Said Mohammed.

Needs-based innovation along with efficient management of inputs and techniques are key reasons for successful entrepreneurship in agriculture.  Mohammed was able to boost his income and supply quality fodder at a reasonable price in a convenient way.