The determinats of milk supply in Murang'a district: a case study of Kiharu division

Abstract

To keep in pace with the rising demand for food by the fast growing population in Kenya, the Agricultural sector has an important roe to play. Dairy farming for milk production is a major component in the sector. This research was concerned with the study of the factors that determine milk supply patterns from farmers in Kiharu division of Murang'a district.

Data were collected from a sample of 90 farmers in the division and linear and log-linear multiple regression models estimated. The results are interpreted based on the log-linear model, which was adopted as the suitable one for analysis. The results suggest that incomes from other agricultural activities are the most significant factor in explaining the pattern of milk supply in the district. Other factors that explain milk supply include the prices paid to the farmers, and the input costs.

The main conclusion from the study is that, to step up milk production and supply, farmers must have access to the necessary services which were found to be provided by cooperatives. Farmers are therefore advised to form cooperatives. Educative programmes should be organized to enlighten the farmers on the formation, running and management of the co-operatives. This will not rule out private buyers who instead should be licensed to step up competition. However, farmers are advised to take caution, since such private buyers, survival in and out of season is not guaranteed.