Effects of Training on Smallholder Dairy Farmers’ Income in West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Evaluating the impact of training is important to ensure its effectiveness in the adoption of technologies and the income of smallholder farmers. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of dairy husbandry training on milk income. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two districts of the West Shewa zone of Ethiopia. A total of 180 smallholder dairy households were selected as participants, based on stratified purposive and random sampling methods. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis. Our findings show that milk incomes were higher for trained households than non-trained ones. The milk yield and the processed milk volume at the household level were significantly higher for trained dairy households. Based on the regression analysis, factors such as experience in dairying, training received, the area of land allocated to forage production, the number of lactating dairy cows owned, family size, and location all showed a positive and significant impact on milk income. In general, this study confirms that training is a key factor that brings change in the attitude of dairy farmers toward efficient utilization of inputs and services for improving dairy productivity and income. Therefore, in order to bring change in technology adoption, huge attention should be given in improving dairy farmers’ perception and level of understanding through training.