Adoption of Dairy Farming Technologies and Milk Productivity Among Smallholder Farmers in Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

In dairy enterprises, technologies are critical in enhancing milk production. However, the adoption rate of these technologies in Kenya is not known. Therefore, this study assessed the adoption of modern dairy farming technologies (MDFT) and milk productivity among smallholder farmers in Imenti South Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to assess the determinants of adoption of MDFT, determine the effects of adopting MDFTon productivity, and evaluate the extent of extension support services on the acceptance and adoption of MDFT. Relevant data were collected using a cross-sectional survey design where questionnaires were administered to 355 dairy farming households. The multivariate probit model was used to assess the determinants of adoption of modern MDFT. The results revealed that education level, household income, access to credit, number of extension contacts, farming experience, farmer group membership, and livestock monetary value were positively associated with the adoption of sweet potatoes by32%, Rhode grass 28.53%, Lucerne 23%, Hay 82%, silage 38.87%, clean soft 76.90% milking machine 2.54% and feed mixture 9.01 %. High education level and frequent extension contacts positively influenced the adoption of fodder establishment technologies as well as preservation technologies. Farming experience in dairy farming affected the adoption of well-constructed and clean sleeping areas for the dairy cows and the growth of Rhodes grass. Household incomes affected the growth of Rhodes grass and feed mixture adoption among the dairy farmers. Further, the effects of adopting MDFTon milk productivity were determined using the Cobb-Douglas production function. The results reviewed the frequency of extension visits, years of experience in dairy farming, cost of water and feed, dairy equipment technology, cow health technology, fodder preservation technologies, improvement of fodder quality, and advancement in cow genetics influenced milk productivity positively at different levels. Additionally, an ordered probit model was used to evaluate the intensity of extension support services on the adoption of modern MDFT. The results indicated that extension frequency services, timely access to artificial insemination, veterinary services, selling milk through a co-operative, access to market information, household size, marital services, and access to credit services positively enhanced the adoption of MDFT. The study indicates that there is a need to make extension services available and increase the frequency to the farmers, as this promotes the adoption of modern MDFT. Further findings of this study recommend that the county government and relevant stakeholders in the dairy sector should create policies that encourage farmers to join the dairy cooperative society, for it acts as leverage for information dissemination to farmers.