Factors Affecting the Performance of Smallholder Dairy Farmers of Central Division in Kitui District of Eastern Province Kenya

ABSTRACT

The study set out to establish the factors affecting the performance of smallholder dairy farmers of Central division in Kitui district. Milk production in Kitui dropped significantly in the last few years. This has led people to seek supplies from neighbouring places. The decline in milk production has also contributed to increased poverty among smallholder farmers in the division. There has been clear need to identify those factors which significantly influence milk production in general and those that caused the decline in Kitui in particular. This study identifies the factors affecting the performance of smallholder dairy farmers and examines how output and productivity would be boosted. The research was conducted through a survey of Central division, using qualitative and quantitative methods. A sample size of 50 respondents was drawn from the four locations in the division. Primary data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. The sampling technique used was random sampling whereby each household had equal chances of being selected. A Cobb- Douglas production function approach was used to investigate factors that influence milk production among smallholders in the division. The results of this study show that both farm and farmer characteristics had a significant influence on milk production in the district. The findings further show that managerial factors affected milk production. The study, therefore, recommends that the government, research institutions, non- governmental organizations in the division as well as extension officers ought to train farmers on how to efficiently utilize available resources for optimal milk production.

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