ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF DAIRY COW MILK PRODUCTION AMONG SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN MARAKWET EAST SUB-COUNTY, ELGEYO-MARAKWET COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Dairy farming remains a major economic backbone in Kenya, contributing food and income to the households of many small-scale farmers. In Marakwet East Sub-County, however, annual milk production has plateaued at approximately 25 metric tonnes of milk despite concerted improvement efforts in recent decades. The average milk production per cow per day between 2016 and 2021 was 5.52-5.75 liters against a national potential of 10-12 liters per day achievable under optimal dairy farming conditions. This study’s specific objectives were to determine socio-economic, technological, farm production, and institutional factors influencing dairy cow milk production among small-scale dairy farmers in Marakwet East Sub-County. Production and resource allocation theories guided the study while descriptive and cross-sectional research designs were adopted. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire from 230 small-scale dairy farmers through purposive, stratified, and systematic random sampling techniques. Secondary data was collected from existing records. Multiple Linear regression model and Cobb-Douglas production functions (double log-linear form) were used to analyze data. Descriptive results revealed that the mean age of the small-scale dairy farmers was 47 years, owned on average 3.3 acres of land, with 16.8 years of farming experience, and earning an average annual farmer income of KShs. 91,938. Multiple linear regression results revealed that a unit increase in the level of education, family/household size, farmer’s experience, and total farmer’s income positively affected dairy cow milk production by 60.2%, 109.1%, 131.1%, and 112.2%, respectively. Technological factors like artificial Insemination, deworming services, high-yielding fodder/pasture, improved feeds, and improved dairy breeds positively affected milk production by 69%, 68.4%, 183.4%, 178% and 167.2% respectively. Further, results revealed that a unit increase in the type of land tenure system, access to extension services and credit facilities, and membership in farmer organizations had a positive influence on milk production by 45%, 172.4%, 190.4% and 105.6%, respectively. Cobb-Douglas production function results revealed that a unit increase in farm size, capital, type of dairy breed, farming system, access to veterinary services, and quality feeds positively influenced milk production by 21.51%, 82.37%, 46.23%, 89.97%, 82.60% and 108.23%, respectively. To enhance dairy milk production, the study recommends strategies that encourage farmers to direct their resources toward securing high-quality feeds and improving their farming systems, promoting interventions and activities geared towards the adoption of technologies that improve milk production, such as access to credit facilities, subsidies, or micro financing programs to boost farmers' capital, and enhance veterinary care and education. Additionally, policymakers should encourage the adoption of high-yielding breeds through subsidies and breeding programs. There is need to improve access to quality feeds, farming system, and capital to boost milk production.