| dc.description.abstract | The problem of sub-optimal offtake of sheep and boats
from the maasai production system is investigated. The study
uses a comparative approach, taking the Baringo livestock
production system as an example from which offtake of sheep and
goats has largely been commercialised.
Forty-six livestock producers (sellers) and fifty-six
buyers were interviewed as they transacted livestock at the
Baringo and Kajiado markets. A structure - Conduct -
Performance model has been applied in comparing the results.
Further, ordinary least squares regression and analysis of
variance (ANOVA) techniques have been applied in analysing the
main variables that determine prices and liveweights of the
small ruminants transacted in Baringo auction markets. A total
of 1481 ruminant market transactions were used in these
analyses,
The results showed that Baringo producers routinely sold
their smaLl ruminants at competitive auction markets spread in
the major production areas of the district. The concentration
of the sellers at these markets was low and the buyers were
moderately concentrated.
The Kajiado small ruminant markets were characterised by
irregular and insufficient supplies. Non-Maasai traders rarely
hud direct access to the producers in Kajiado and market prices
were aetermined through a one-to-one bargaining method at all
the livestock markets.
Marketing efficiencies were largely determIned by the
mode employed in transporting livestock and the extent to which
traders integrated vertically.
Body condition, a proxy for weight and meat quality, was
a major determinant of market pr ice. Consequently, the
castrates, most of them in good to excellent body condition,
commanded premium prices. | en |
