Factors associated with post-harvest milk losses at collection centres and among vendors in Tanzania

Abstract

Tanzania has engaged in various interventions to improve the countries food and nutritional security among which is the creation of a good environment for increased milk production, collection, storage, marketing and consumption. However, milk losses continue to occur along the country’s milk value chain (4.4% and 7.0% at the collection centres and the milk vendors respectively). The study on which the paper is based assessed factors associated with post-harvest milk losses among milk collectors and vendors in Tanzania. A cross-sectional research design was adopted whereby 35 individuals who were in-charge of milk collection centres (MCCs) and 52 milk vendors were selected for the study covering the period June 2021 to September 2022. Generally, the results show that milk was mostly lost through spoilage (2.7% & 3.5%), spillage (1.9% & 3.3%) and contamination (0.1% & 0.2%) at the MCCs and vendors respectively. In addition, Generalised Linear Mixed Model results show that characteristics of the milk transporter (Adjusted Coefficient (AC) = -3.519; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -5.752--1.286), market stability (AC = -9.525; CI: -18.092--0.958), season (AC = -0.19; 95% CI: -0.37--0.010) and awareness/knowledge on post-harvest milk losses (AC = -0.274; 95% CI: -0.490--0.058) were negatively and significantly associated with post-harvest milk losses. Therefore, respondents’ characteristics, market stability, season, milk handling facilities and awareness/knowledge of post-harvest milk loss were the main drivers of post-harvest milk losses (PHMLs). Therefore, there is a need for the livestock extension officers in Tanzania to create awareness but, also train milk collectors on how to reduce PHMLs. In addition, there is a need for collective investment in milk infrastructures and other logistics if milk losses by the above-mentioned are to be reduced. Lastly, the Government needs to create a conducive environment that enhances the availability of quality and affordable milk handling equipment to allow the storage and transportation of milk that minimizes its losses.