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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development
Rural Outreach Program
ISSN: 1684-5358 EISSN: 1684-5358
Vol. 21, No. 4, 2021, pp. 17815-17833
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Bioline Code: nd21042
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Vol. 21, No. 4, 2021, pp. 17815-17833
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MILK HANDLING PRACTICES AND UTILIZATION AT DAIRY FARMS AND COLLECTION CENTERS UNDER RURAL AND PERI-URBAN MILK VALUE CHAIN SYSTEMS IN NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA
Ndungi, F; Muliro, P; Faraj, A & Matofari, J
Abstract
There are increasing expectations on the compliance of food products to safety and
quality standards due to consumer demand for high-quality food. The aim of this study
was to determine the quality tests that are carried out on raw milk and its utilization at
three milk collection centers in Olenguruone and Dundori regions of Nakuru as well as
some selected dairy farms. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, data were collected
from milk collection centers’ staff and farmers. Milk sampling for quality control
testing was done at both the cooperative delivery points and farm level. The quality of
milk handled and stored in different containers was assessed. Descriptive statistics,
Chi-square and logistic regression analysis were carried out on the data. Results
indicated that the average quantity of milk received at all milk collection centers was
about 3687 liters per day. It was noted that most of the milk collection centers’ staff
(operators) had certificates or diplomas in dairy science. Their average job experience
period in the milk sector was 7 years. Majority of the farmers (90%) and transporters
(94%) used plastic containers for milk handling and storage. Farmers who used plastic
containers for milking were approximately three times more likely to have their milk
rejected compared to those who used mazzi cans, aluminium or stainless-steel
containers (p<0.05; Odds ratio =3.20). The alcohol and lactometer tests were carried
out on milk received at all collection centers studied. Resazurin test was only carried
out in one collection center at Olenguruone that had the required laboratory equipment.
Milk quality assessment was not done at the farm level. Traditional fermented milk was
the common dairy product produced from evening milk in most dairy farmers’
households. Regular education programs and seminars on milk safety and quality
should be provided to both collection centers’ operators and farmers.
Keywords
Milk quality; Milk utilization; Milk collection centers; Alcohol test; Lactometer test
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