| dc.description.abstract | Dairy farming in Kenya is dominated by smallholders who are estimated to contribute
approx. 56% and 70% of total and marketed milk production, respectively (Peeler and
Omore, 1997). These are farmers who, besides growing crops for subsistence and for sale,
mostly keep 2 to 3 cows with their followers on land sizes typically of about 1 ha. in the
intensively farmed areas and about 2.5 ha. in the extensively farmed areas (Staal et al.,
1998; MoA/KARI/ILRI, 1998). The estimated total population of 2.5 million of dairy cattle in
approx. 625,000 smallholdings (MoA, 1996; Peeler and Omore, 1997) suggests that this
sub-sector employs many Kenyans who derive a regular source of cash income and
balanced nutrition. | en |
