Promoting Agricultural Co-operative efficiency in Nyeri District, Kenya.

Abstract

Dairy farming in Kenya is dominated by smallholders who are estimated to contribute approx. 56% and 70% of total and marketed milk production, respectively (Peeler and Omore, 1997). These are farmers who, besides growing crops for subsistence and for sale, mostly keep 2 to 3 cows with their followers on land sizes typically of about 1 ha. in the intensively farmed areas and about 2.5 ha. in the extensively farmed areas (Staal et al., 1998; MoA/KARI/ILRI, 1998). The estimated total population of 2.5 million of dairy cattle in approx. 625,000 smallholdings (MoA, 1996; Peeler and Omore, 1997) suggests that this sub-sector employs many Kenyans who derive a regular source of cash income and balanced nutrition.