Leveraging on Agricultural Cooperatives in Feed and Fodder Production Among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

Climate change is having a severe effect on the availability of feeds and fodder, which causes irregular milk output and high production costs for farmers and cooperatives. This study focuses on the role of agricultural cooperatives in promoting feed and fodder, and management. A cross-sectional survey design with concurrent mixed methods approach entailing quantitative and qualitative methodologies was adopted. The target population was drawn from seven dairy producer groups supported by the Meru dairy cooperative union. Systematic random sampling was used to sample one hundred and ninety-five respondents from seven selected dairy cooperatives. Purposive sampling was used to select key informants in the dairy value chain. Primary data was collected using key informants, interview guides, household survey questionnaires and focus group discussion guides. The data collected was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The study findings indicate that 92% of respondents produced their own fodder, while 28.3% outsourced. High cost of feeds and fodder was a major challenge. The agricultural cooperatives supported farmers in production and bulking of super Napier fodder. They also support farmers in access feeds and fodder for This study recommends agricultural cooperatives should conduct trainings on modern feed and fodder production, as well as conservation of fodder and homemade rations. The study also recommends that policy makers should legislate laws that support dairy cooperatives in feed and fodder production. Also laws should be legislated to protect smallholder farmers from exploitation by feed manufacturers. The study also recommends further studies on feed, fodder contamination on quality analysis.