The role of dairy cooperative societies in providing services to small-holder dairy farmers in Kiambu district, Kenya

Abstract

A study on the role of dairy cooperative societies in providing services to small-holder dairy farmers in Kiambu district, Kenya, was carried out through interview to staff from various cooperative societies and farmers. The prices paid to farmers varied from Ksh. 5.00 to Ksh. 7.00 per litre and was influenced mostly by the proportion of milk the cooperative society was able to sell locally. The ability of the societies to provide input services increased with the number of members and the amount of cooperative levy charged on milk sales. The need for higher and more prompt payment for milk was a major concern to farmers while the provision of veterinary services was a secondary concern. It is concluded that both the recent deregulation of milk marketing and the withdrawal of many government technical services should influence dairy cooperative societies to assume a greater role in their areas.