Access and Use of Information by Smallholder Dairy Farmers: A Case Study of Meru and Uasin Gishu Counties, Kenya

Abstract

Dairy in Kenya is a major source of employment, with smallholders contributing more than 70 percent of gross marketed milk production. Dairy marketing is dominated by the informal sector where raw milk is sold directly to consumers, suggesting low use of technical know-how to improve production as well as quality and safety of milk. The study therefore was conducted to understand the level of information on dairy, as well as determine factors influencing the awareness of dairy standards among smallholder dairy farmers in Meru and Uasin Gishu counties in Kenya.  A random sample of 273 households was selected and personal interviews conducted. Data were entered and analysed by use of the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (version 20). Descriptive statistics by use of percentages, and a logistic regression model were used to analyse data. The results depict a low level of information on quality and safety of milk, and the regulatory institutions in Kenya had limited influence on improved milk production, quality and safety. Farmers with marketing contracts, those with an upgraded value chain were more likely to access information, while older farmers were less likely to access the information. In order to increase complicity with the regulations, regulatory institutions should increase awareness on the potential benefits of adhering to dairy standards. Farmers should be registered and enter contracts with buyers, and older farmers targeted to provide information. Research and development organisations should make farmers aware so that farmers can demand for information and lobby for services from government institutions.