Quantification of Quality and Safety Post-Harvest Losses in the Camel Milk Value Chain in Isiolo, Kenya

Abstract

Camel milk production is faced with high post-harvest losses due to physicochemical, biochemical and microbiological changes which lead to quality deterioration and milk spoilage. However the magnitude of these quality and quantity losses at different stages along the camel milk value chain and contribution of the different quality parameters have not been quantified. The objective of this study is therefore to determine the risk factors that lead to the camel milk losses and quantify these losses at different stages along the camel milk value chain. This will be achieved through field survey and analytical study. The field survey will involve observation, questionnaire administration and focused group discussion with the various stakeholders involved in camel milk production and marketing. The analytical study will involve determination of physiochemical, biochemical and microbiological characteristics that affect the quality and safety of the camel milk at various stages of the value chain. The quantification of these losses will determine the stage of the value chain where the losses are predominant and where mitigation will be most appropriate for viable commercialization of camel production.