Socio-economic constraints of smallholder dairy production: A Case study of Tanga Region

Abstract

A socio-economic survey was conducted in Tanga region to study the factors influencing productivity of smallholder dairy enterprises. The focus was centered on identification of factors affecting the performance of dairy cows and the constraints facing the small holders in peri-urban and rural areas. A total of 110 smallholder dairy farmers (50 in Tanga, 30 in Muheza and 30 in Lushoto) selected randomly from the regional registry of Tanga Dairy Development Programme (TDDP) were interviewed using questionnaires. Information on farm and stock size, daily milk yield per cow and amount sold by each holding was collected through questionnaires. Information was also collected on management routines, contribution of the dairy enterprise to family income, level of education, extent of training in dairy production of the farmers, distribution ownership of holdings by gender, access to markets, costs of inputs and associated constraints as identified by farmers. More than 60% of all farmers regarded dairy enterprise as a supplementary source of family income contributing less than 40% of the annual income. The farm size ranged from 2.5 to 3.9 acres, whereas the stock size ranged between 1-8. The average daily milk yield was 9.3±1.9,7.6±1.8 and 6.6± 1.9 litres/day respectively for Tanga, Muheza and Lushoto districts. Similarly, daily milk off-take per holding were 12.5± 3.2,10.1± 2.1 and 6.6± 2.1. Labour was largely provided by the family in all districts. However, there was a significant use of hired labour in all districts viz. Tanga (32%), Muheza (36.7%) and Lushoto (20%). Holdings were mostly owned and run by women in Tanga (56%) and by men in Muheza (76.7%) and Lushoto (76.7%). At least 85% of all farmers in Tanga and Muheza had attended a minimum of 2 weeks training on dairy production but in Lushoto only 33% had training. Tanga and Lushoto districts had more milk marketing outlets than Muheza. Milk prices were highest in Tanga (180-300/=Tsh) followed by Muheza (140-250/= Tsh) and lowest in Lushoto (100-200/= Tsh). The major constraints facing smallholder dairy farmers in Tanga region included. High input costs, seasonal shortages and poor nutritive value of feeds, low milk prices, and unreliable milk markets. It was concluded that the level of current production and enterprise productivity is lower than the potential for the cross- bred animals used and the resources available. Lack of development is largely due to low milk prices, high input cost and poor marketing channels. In addition the seasonal shortages of feeds and their low quality can be improved through training of farmers. Efforts are needed to help these farmers through non-governmental organizations (NGOs); community based organizations (CBOs) and the government at large.