Determinants Of Dairy Intensification In Uganda - An Integrated Analysis Of Farm Resources, Location And Gis - Derived Factors

Abstract

This study was motivated by the observation that despite policy and development focus promoting dairy intensification, farmers adopt a range of dairy management practices along the continuum of intensification. Intensive zero grazing systems and upgrading of dairy herds especially in fenced systems promoted by most development agents are dominated by exotic dairy purebreds and cross breeds. These systems, however, exist
alongside extensive herded and tethered systems largely keeping local cattle breeds. It is worthwhile to suspect that farmers are exposed to variable human capital, market access, land and labour resources, agro-climatic and location factors that influence the level of intensification adopted. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors that determine adoption of dairy intensification. Data used in the study was obtained from 216 cattle
households in Masaka, Mbarara and Jinja districts. Adoption of intensive (zero grazed, semi-intensive and fenced dairy) vis-à-vis extensive (tethered and herded) dairy systems were examined by logistic regression models. Results obtained showed that: farmer\'s education (p≤0.10), milk markets (p≤0.05), and human population density (p≤0.01), positively affected the probability of adoption of dairy intensification. Higher
participation of adults in off farm work (p≤0.05), negatively affected the chances of dairy intensification. It can therefore be concluded that farm domestic human capital, demand for dairy products, diminishing feed resources and the need for cattle confinement and availability of family labour are important factors determining dairy intensification. In order to have dairy intensification, the relevant farm resource, market demand and
neighbourhood factors need to be considered in promoting dairy intensification. It was recommended that dairy development policies and management practices promoted by Government (DDA, MAAIF, NAADS, NARO and PMA), civil society organizations and private actors in the dairy industry should strategically focus on status of labour and feed resource availability, obligations for cattle confinement, existence of demand for dairy
products and literacy skills of farmers

Keywords: Adoption, dairy intensification, human capital, market access.

African Journal of Livestock Extension Vol. 5 2007: pp. 14-20