Characterization of Dairy Value Chains in the Case of Urban and Peri-Urban Area of Southern Tigray

Abstract

The study aimed at analyzing of the existing dairy value chain in the southern zone of Tigray. Primary data were collected from multiple sources including a total of 120 dairy producers, value chain actors: 24 traders, 20 consumers and 8 service providers in Edamehoni and Alamata districts. The collected data was analyzed using application of appropriate statistical tools and simple descriptive statistics. Dairying accounted 53.33 and 23.33% of the total generated family income for urban and peri-urban dairy producers; respectively. The finding indicated that input suppliers, producers, traders, consumers and service providers are involved directly and/or indirectly along dairy value chains in the study areas. Accordingly, producing and processing, collecting, storing and marketing dairy products are the major activities which were performed by the actors. Out of all milk value chain actors about 61% retailers (café and restaurant) and 39% milk producer, were involved in the value addition of milk in both study areas. Most of the smallholder dairy producers in the study sites have been using traditional dairy production technique that results in low milk production. Creating awareness and other capacity building intervention of smallholder dairy producer for quality and quantity milk production are one of the ways to assist dairy producers in building on their resources to create more income by managing their dairy farm skillfully and get a good price in the market. Hence, all concerned organizations (chain enablers) should focus on the provision of appropriate training for both dairy producer farmers and extension agents on how to manage improved breed dairy cattle and incorporate new technologies profitably into farm level production strategies.