Assessment of the Magnitude of and Factors Influencing Milk Post-harvest Losses Along the Dairy Formal Marketing Channel in Nyeri County, Kenya

Abstract

In Kenya, the dairy sub-sector is the highest contributor to the livestock sector at 8 percent of Gross Domestic Product. However, of all the milk produced, only 30 percent is traded along the formal chain. Nyeri County is ranked third among the leading counties in milk production, yet the sector has not been steady since it faces a wide range of challenges, such as post-harvest losses. Studies have not focused on the formal milk marketing channel yet it experiences both qualitative and quantitative post-harvest losses. This creates a gap in the magnitude of post-harvest losses (PHL) resulting in uncertain estimates of PHL accompanied by an imprecise understanding of the points where the losses occur. The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude of post-harvest losses and their influencing factors in the formal milk marketing channel in Nyeri County, Kenya. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative research design. Primary data was collected from 432 households practicing dairy farming under cooperatives, 39 transporters/aggregators at milk collection points, and 7 farmers’ cooperative representatives in Kieni East sub-county using questionnaires. Collection of data from each of the levels of the respondents using questionnaires was aided by ODK, a mobile data collection technology. The study utilized multistage sampling involving purposive and simple random sampling techniques to select respondents of the study. The results of the study revealed that most of the milk losses occurred due to spillage. At farm level spillage (38%), spoilage (24.7%), forced consumption (23.8%) and rejection due to adulteration (13.5%). At the cooperative level: spillage (86.8%) and spoilage (13.2%). At the transporters level spillage from loading, offloading and accidents (81.9%) and spoilage (18%). Lack of market access, price, quantity rejected, storage facilities, and handling positively and significantly affected the post-harvest loss (p<0.05). Moreover, regression results showed that road type positively and significantly influenced milk post-harvest loss at the transporter level (p<0.05). The study recommended that dairy farmers to be trained on best milk handling practices and milk quality requirements to reduce milk loss at the farm level and rejection by cooperatives. Improvement of road infrastructure to lower milk loss during poor weather conditions. In addition, the study recommends provision of credit to farmers to enable them acquire milk storage and cooling facilities to lower milk losses during post-harvesting.