The factors affecting women participation in milk production and marketing in the selected districts

Abstract

This study assessed the factors affecting women participation in milk production and marketing in selected districtsin Uganda. A sample of 200 milk farmers of the total population participated in the survey. Women participation in milk production and marketing was limited in Buhweju district unlike other selected districts in the area of study. The results of the study revealed that majority of the milk producers were male with 60% while females were 40%.Only 39% of the respondents were involved in SACCOs. 54% of the milk producers accessed information through radios, 26% through television and 20% through trainings. 62% of the milk producers used their own savings and only 38% accessed loans for farm start up as well as financing farm activities. Of the total milk production, the average litres of milk produced per season were 3262 litres, the averagelitres of milk were sold per season were 8031 litres, the average litres of milk given to calves were 430 litres per season and the average litres of milk consumed per season were 211 litres. The minimum and maximum price of milk per litre was found at UGX 500 and UGX 1300 while the average price of milk per litre was UGX 900. With the aid of the probit regression table, The results of the study also revealed that there was a significant relationship at 1%, 5% and 10% level of significance between gender and variable factors affecting their participation such as education (years spent in school), age in years, leadership role, member of a SACCO, Buhweju, udder washing, advertising, dairy supply, recording, milk selling, milk consumed per season. This implies that female milk producers are more or less likely to participate in on-farm activities and off-farm activities. These factors were affecting women participating in milk production and marketing effectively.