8 - Multiple Determinants of Milk Production in Africa: The Example of the Diversity of Dairy Farming Systems in the Mbarara Area (Uganda)

Abstract

In developing countries, animal products supply presents a major challenge in meeting the demand for the two next decades. Many researchers point out the necessity for a 'reasoned intensification', especially in agricultural areas, by integrating agriculture and livestock activities. But intensification only occurs on specific farms. How can one explain the different dairy developments or technical options between farms? An analysis of the diversity of dairy farming systems in Mbarara district (Uganda) has been conducted from a monthly crosssectional survey of a sample of 22 farmers, identified from a large household survey (183 dairy producers). The multi-table factorial analysis allows a thorough review of the interactions and points out some causal relationships between the development of the dairy systems and the social and technical management of the whole farm. This analysis underlines the key factors of intensification such as genetic improvement or market opportunities; but also the degree of intensification which is well correlated to the stage of family development. If the

Adaptation of Periurban Cattle Production Systems to Environmental Changes: Feeding Strategies of Herdsmen in Southern Benin

“…The large and increasing urban demand for milk, milk products and meat has facilitated the development of cattle farming activities around most sub-Saharan African cities (Alary and Faye, 2007;FAO, 2009). …”

Élevages et sociétés : les rôles multiples de l’élevage dans les pays tropicaux

“…Ce rôle varie selon l'histoire et le stade de vie du ménage (selon l'approche des cycles de vie de Tchayanov 1924), le degré et le type de diversification des activités au sein du ménage (en différenciant les activités d'élevage, des activités culturales vivrières ou de rente et de la nature des activités non agricoles : activité salariale ou privée…) ou bien les événements conjoncturels qui peuvent faire varier brutalement le cursus. C'est ainsi que dans des études sur les systèmes laitiers en Inde ou en Ouganda, on retrouve des rôles similaires d'épargne ou de valorisation des produits laitiers en fonction des formes de diversification et de l'âge du chef de ménage (Alary et al 2007, Alary 2009. Mais l'identification de ces rôles différenciés ne doit pas masquer le rôle potentiel des autres fonctions qui varient selon les espèces.…”

Effects of season and agro-ecological zone on the microbial quality of raw milk along the various levels of the value chain in Uganda

“…Dairy production in this region occurs in two major agro-ecological zones, namely, the pastoral and agro-pastoral zones. In the pastoral zone, indigenous cattle are predominantly kept whereas in the agropastoral zones exotic breeds and their crosses with the indigenous breeds are predominantly reared under relatively modern farming systems (Alary et al 2007; Grimaud et al 2007b).…”