We purchased a milk cow, half
zebu (African native
breed) and half fresian cow, for Hamisi Mwandoro in September, 2000, with funds
donated by readers in Canada. We bought
this type of cow on the advice of Plan International, which was carrying out
similar projects in other local villages. In their experience, buying a purebred
dairy cow was not a good choice for village families, as the cows did not have
the natural immunities to African diseases and pests that African-bred cows do.
Although the milk output will be lower, the cow’s zebu blood will help it
resist tse tse flies and other African diseases.
Hamisi didn’t have a name in mind for the cow, so
we named her Magic.
Hamisi with Magic, the day she arrived at his
family compound.
Michael, Diane, Jonathan and Christopher meeting
Magic the Cow for the first time.
We’re pleased to report that Magic gave birth to a male calf, in April 2002. She’s producing eight litres of milk a day, which will make a significant contribution to Hamisi’s family income.
The last time we saw Hamisi, he promised us he'd grow his business into a herd of 30 cattle. It's great to see that he's on his way!