Milk handling practices and consumption behavior among Borana pastoralists in southern Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundSafety and wholesomeness of milk intended for human consumption are influenced by various interlinked factors. However, information on what these factors are, especially in the pastoral traditional communities of Ethiopia, is largely lacking. The objective of this study is to assess the hygienic milk production, processing and consumption practices, and behaviors of Borana pastoralists.MethodsThe study used qualitative participatory research methods. Individual semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, informal discussions, and observations were carried out on (1) milk handling practices, (2) perceptions of quality and safety of milk, including perceived criteria for good milk, (3) awareness of milk-borne diseases, and (4) perception towards milk boiling practices. The interviews and discussions were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by identifying themes.ResultsSome risky behaviors related to milk handling and consumption were identified. These include unhygienic conditions in handling milk and milk products, consumption behaviors such as consuming raw milk purchased from markets, and children directly consuming milk from the udder of animals (e.g., goats). There was a very strong reluctance to boil milk before consumption mainly because of the misconception that nutrients in the milk are destroyed when milk is boiled and “boiled milk is dead”. On the other hand, potential risk mitigation practices were identified such as smoking of milk containers (which may help reduce microbial growth), processing milk through fermentation, consuming milk in boiled tea, and a recent trend towards boiling milk for babies. However, the latter was not motivated by concern over microbial hazards but the belief that raw milk could form curds in children’s stomach which might then suffocate them.ConclusionThe findings highlight the need to promote hygienic handling practices of milk and closely engage with local communities to improve their understanding of milk safety to facilitate change in practices. Educating pastoralists on good milk production practices should be given priority. One of the ways to do this could be by strengthening the integration of milk hygiene in research and development programs as an entry point for behavioral change towards the safe handling and consumption of milk and milk products.

Pastoral community practices, microbial quality and associated health risks of raw milk in the milk value chain of Nakasongola District, Uganda

“…While motorcycles remain the major means of transportation of milk in Nakasongola, the milk was further exposed to long hours of high tropical heat. Subsequently, poor quality and similar observations have been reported in Zimbabwe and elsewhere (Amenu et al 2019;Paraffin et al 2018;Ayele et al 2017).…”

“…The consumption of raw milk is attractive to consumers with cultural beliefs and preferences for raw milk, particularly among the pastoralists in Uganda (Tumwine et al 2015) and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa (Caudell et al 2019;Ayele et al 2017). Traditionally, raw milk is perceived to have health benefits (Amenu et al 2019) and unique flavours, but these assertions lack scientific evidence. On the contrary, drinking raw milk is associated with transmission of diseases to consumers (Tumwine et al 2015).…”

A Random Survey of Microbial Load in Dairy Products on Sale in Addis Ababa Supermarkets

“…The situation in sub-Saharan Africa appears to be much worse, but it remains to be proven whether, due to frequent and higher levels of exposure, people are already "naturally vaccinated" because otherwise one would think even more losses of lives must be occurring. There is also resistance to recommendations to avoid unpasteurized dairy products and misconception about the health benefits of raw milk [13,14]. Meanwhile, the infections (and the probable ensuing diseases) continue to spread, which can be even more disabling when antibiotic resistance is added to the equation.…”

Review on Epidemiology and Public Health Importance of Goat Tuberculosis in Ethiopia

“…It was observed that people buy raw milk and consume it on the spot during market days and, sometimes, children consume goat milk directly from the udder ( Figure 1 ). Other practices observed that could potentially impair the health of consumers include selling raw milk for direct consumption on market days without heat treatment [ 42 ].…”

“…Milk consumption directly from the udder of a goat by children in Borana (a common practice during herding; source: [ 42 ]).…”