DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF VALUE ADDITION FACTORS AND SMALLSCALE DAIRY FARMING IN KENYA: CASE OF CHEBUNYO WARD, BOMET COUNTY

Abstract

ABSTRACT Dairy farming is an important agricultural subsector supporting almost 900 million people globally. India, Europe, USA, New Zealand and Australia are among the top dairy producers. East Africa region leads in Africa with Kenya among the top producers. The Kenya Dairy Master Plan (2010) envisions an innovative, commercially-oriented, globally competitive chain. Being agriculture focused county, Bomet envisages agro-processing and value addition key as per their County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP 2018). However, most small-scale dairy farmers, a majority in Kenya, have failed to transition from subsistence to commercialization. The study thus, sought to investigate the influence of value addition factors on smallscale dairy farming in Kenya using the case of Chebunyo Ward, Bomet County. It further sought to examine the influence of milk price on small-scale dairy farming; establish the role of market size on small-scale dairy farming; investigate the influence of finance access on small-scale dairy farming; and examine the influence of Household Setup on small-scale dairy farming, in Chebunyo Ward, Bomet County. The study was governed by The Rational Choice Theory and Value-added Theory and applied descriptive survey research design. The target population was 1,122 smallscale dairy farmers. The sample size was 293 respondents derived using Yamane‘s formula. Simple random sampling technique was utilized in selecting the study sample size. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis. Validity and reliability of the questionnaires was tested in the study. Among the findings of the study was that milk price does influence small-scale dairy farming. Better milk prices means more farmers likely to increase production hence better household welbeing. Another finding indicated poor access to finance by dairy farmers does influence dairy farming negatively. Poor access and limited information on financial services affects production. Finding on Market size showed that the production levels among the farmers is quite low at 50% of them producing 5litres a day and only 2% 20litres daily. The study concluded that value addition factors had a significant influence on small scale dairy farming in Chebunyo Ward. Therefore, the study findings are important in formulation of policies and strategies for improvement and development of small-scale dairy farming in the County and nationally. The study recommended that stakeholders- farmer cooperatives, financiers, County authorities- provide extension services, improve feeder roads and increase cooling/storage facilities and help farmers with information, training and exposure to innovative techniques to improving their dairy production.