Description of Smallholder Dairy Farms in Kiambu District, Kenya

Abstract

The methods used in a study of health and productivity of dairy cattle in smallholder dairy farms in Kiambu District, Kenya are described. The study sampling frame included all smallholder dairy farmers registered by one of the 14 dairy societies in Kiambu District.

In a two-stage stratified random sample 90 smallholder dairy farms were selected. The farms were visited monthly over a 12 month study period (July 1991–June 1992). The overall objective of the study was to estimate health and production parameters for dairy cattle in these smallholder dairy farms. Information on general farm management, feeding and nutrition, disease status and disease prevention measures were also gathered during the study period.

The initial voluntary participation rate was 98%. At conclusion of the study, 90% of the farms were still participating in the study. The median farm size was 3 acres with a median of three dairy cattle per farm.