Important Variables Influencing Milk Yields on Smallholder Farms in Western Kenya
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Date
2015
Authors
Njehia, Bernard K.
Wanjala, S. P. O.
Murithi, Festus M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AJAFS
Abstract
This study sought to assess the most important variables influencing milk yields on smallholder farms in Western Kenya, a region with persistent milk insufficiency. Four approaches were assessed on ranking of important variables: Use of farmer focus groups, key informant interviews (pair-wise ranking of variables), beta weights and Product measure (multiple linear regression). The findings showed that all the four methods produced different ranking order. Using a combined weighting system, the most important variables influencing milk yields on smallholder farms were found to be fodder; dairy meal, credit, Artificial insemination, improved research technologies, group membership, policy and economic returns. Collectively, they explained 63.9% of the variance in milk yields in the area (F8, 291= 65.089, p<0.001).We argue that a combined weighting approach appears to be a sharper ranking method in selecting important variables from many components in a value chain system.
Description
Article
Keywords
smallholder farms, milk yields, important variables, pair-wise ranking, beta weights, product measure, multiple linear regression
Citation
Asian Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences Volume 03 – Issue 01, February 2015