Addressing variation in smallholder farming systems to improve dairy development in Kenya

Abstract

Chapter 1 General introduction Chapter 2 Influence of distance to urban markets on smallholder dairy farming systems in Kenya Chapter 3 A positive deviant approach to understanding key factors to successful smallholder dairy farming in Kenya Chapter 4 Accuracy of estimates of milk production per lactation from limited test-day and recall data collected at smallholder dairy farms Chapter 5 Yield gap analysis of dairy cow production at smallholder

Strategies of positive deviants in fodder conservation among smallholder dairy farming systems in highlands and midlands of Kenya

“…Practices used to enhance fodder conservation include good storage structure, and storage of fodder under a well-ventilated and leakproof roof, to preserve quality and for long storage (Akakpo et al 2020). Conserved fodder is often baled, chopped, or shredded to facilitate storage, further mixing (enrichment) or even ensiling, all aimed at improving or reducing feed waste (Lukuyu et Having more knowledge due to a high level of education or high frequency of access to extension services and training has been associated with increased milk production among smallholder dairy farmers (Migose et al 2020). Membership in dairy cooperatives and the willingness of farmers to invest in diverse feed technologies also contribute to farms conserving adequate quantities of fodder (Birhanu et al 2017).…”

Understanding dairy commercialization : Evolving market linkages, transition, and resilience of dairy farming in the East African highlands

“…This means that specialization at farm level does not necessarily occur on all farms in the same way and at the same time, leading to 'dairy farms' vs. 'tea farms' in Nandi South, entire 'dairy villages' such as Koma Welkite in Arsi cluster vs. 'heifer breeding villages' such as Kirima in Nyandarua cluster, but also to well-performing vs. lower performing farms and villages. These differences in resource endowments at least partly underlie the occurrence of 'positive deviants' discussed in Chapters 2 and 3, as much as they may also be the result of it (see also Migose (2020)).…”