Implications of collective action and access to training services on market performance of dairy farmers in Luwero district

Abstract

The study examines the implications of collective action and access to training services on market performance across dairy farmers in Luwero district. The study was conducted in two sub-counties selected randomly. A sample of 80 dairy farmers was randomly selected. Both open and closed ended questionnaires were administered to respondents to collect relevant primary data. Interview and observation methods were used to collect the data. The main objective of the study is to examine milk market performance of small-holder dairy farmers in the context of access to training and collective action opportunities. Specifically, the study: characterizes dairy farmers based on participation in collective action and access to training services; examines dairy management practices and volume of milk produced across smallholder dairy farmers in Luwero district based on participation in collective action and access to training services; assesses milk sales, costs and profitability levels of smallholder dairy farmers in Luwero district based on the decision to participate in collective action and access to training services. Descriptive statistics. Including: mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentages, and t-tests were used to analyze the data. The study findings indicate that male headed families obtained higher gross margins than female headed families. Dairy farmers that participated in collective marketing on average sold more quantity of milk compared to their counterparts that marketed their milk on the individual basis. Dairy farmers that had access to training services were also shown to utilize productivity enhancing improved management practices such as zero grazing and use hired labor when compared to those that had no access to training services. The study recommends that dairy farmers should engage in collective action and participate more in training programs. Selling milk to nearby markets as opposed to farm gate is also more likely to increase the level of farmer profits.