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Dairy without Borders

The Danish NGO Dairy without Borders focuses on establishing and supporting small-scale projects within the milk and dairy value chain in selected developing countries.

The projects focus on transferring skills, knowledge and training, creating economically and environmentally sustainable initiatives that improve local livelihoods and support the upscaling of dairy processing, storage and, where relevant, sales.

All projects follow an organisational approach inspired by the Danish cooperative tradition, ensuring knowledge sharing, local ownership and long-term sustainability. Women’s involvement is a key pillar of sustainable implementation, and the projects are non-commercial in nature, driven solely by development objectives.

Behind the initiative and establishment of Dairy without Borders (DwB), founded in 2015, there are three Danish professional organizations: The Danish Dairy Managers Association, The Danish Dairy Technology Association and The Danish Society of Dairy Technology.

Dairy without Borders aligns its work with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Sustainability is addressed through three interconnected dimensions, always adapted to the local context.

From an environmental perspective, projects promote sustainable energy solutions such as solar-powered water pumps, improved use of by-products like whey, and more sustainable packaging practices. Efforts to increase milk yields also contribute to reducing the number of livestock needed, thereby lowering overall carbon emissions.

Economic sustainability is addressed through a value-chain approach, strengthening links from production to processing and market access. Projects support diversified income opportunities, improved product quality, and relevant certifications, enabling smallholders to build resilient and viable dairy-based livelihoods.

Social sustainability is at the core of all activities. Dairy without Borders strengthens local cooperatives, prioritises the empowerment of women, and places strong emphasis on continuous training and capacity building, ensuring that skills, organisation and ownership remain within the community.

More information?
For further information, please contact Programme Manager Isabel Sande Frandsen ([email protected])