Milk Value Chain Research Articles

Management strategies for aflatoxin risk mitigation in maize, dairy feeds and milk value chains—case study Kenya

AbstractWidespread aflatoxin contamination of a great number of food and feed crops has important implications on global trade and health. Frequent occurrence of aflatoxin in maize and milk poses serious health risks to consumers because these commodities are staple foods in many African countries. This situation calls for development and implementation of rigorous aflatoxin control measures that encompass all value chains, focusing on farms where food and feed-based commodities prone to aflatoxin contamination are cultivated. Good agricultural practices (GAP) have proven to be an effective technology in mitigation and management of the aflatoxin risk under farm conditions. The prevailing global climate change is shown to increase aflatoxin risk in tropical and subtropical regions. Thus, there is an urgent need to devise and apply novel methods to complement GAP and mitigate aflatoxin contamination in the feed, maize and milk value chains. Also, creation of awareness on aflatoxin management through training of farmers and other stakeholders and enforcement of regular surveillance of aflatoxin in food and feed chains are recommended strategies. This literature review addresses the current situation of aflatoxin occurrence in maize, dairy feeds and milk produced and traded in Kenya and current technologies applied to aflatoxin management at the farm level. Finally, a case study in Kenya on successful application of GAP for mitigation of aflatoxin risk at small-scale farms will be reviewed.

Milk quality and safety issues inside the farm gate of dairy farmers of Punjab (India)

Milk quality and safety is the biggest concern of the Indians' dairy industry. Although milk contamination can occur at any stage of the milk value chain but farm contamination is supposed to be the major culprit. The present study investigated the perception and practices of dairy farmers about milk safety and quality at the farm level. Randomly selected dairy farmers (n -300), across the five different agro-climatic zones of Punjab, India, were surveyed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The study analyzed the awareness and practices of the respondents based on the five aspects namely milker's hygiene, animal hygiene, environmental hygiene, milk handling, and chemical residue in milk. Pooled milk samples collected from every alternate farm (n-150) were subjected to somatic cell count (SCC), fat, SNF, adulteration, and E.Coli contamination. Data were analyzed using SPSS software through descriptive statistics, Chi-square test of independence with Cramer’s V value as measures of effect size. Analysis of variances, followed by Games Howell post hoc test was performed to analyze subgroup differences amongst explanatory variables. The majority of farmers (64%) were found to have low knowledge scores related to all five aspects of milk quality and safety. The milk handling (ranked first) followed by animal hygiene, personal hygiene, environmental hygiene, and antibiotics and other residues in milk (ranked last) ordered wise aspects affecting milk quality and safety. Further, socio-demographic and farm characteristics of respondents have a positive influence on the farmer's knowledge of milk quality and safety. High SCC (Mean- 424000) and E .coli contamination in 24% samples further revealed poor adherence to hygienic milk practices. Only 5% of samples were found adulterated with water and 3% of samples were found to be urea positive. Ignorance and lack of scientific knowledge among dairy farmers are the major hindrances in the production of quality and safe milk. An extensive awareness program on milk quality and safety, coupled with incentives on quality products should be undertaken to enhance the awareness of the small and medium dairy farmers.

Value Chain Analysis of Informal Dairy Processing Units in Haryana (India): A System Dynamic Approach

The study intends to examine the value chain of liquid milk of informal sector based on procurement systems by dairy processing units, applying simulation model Vensim PLE x32 package. Mapping of product flow and core actors involved in value chains are based on primary data pertaining to year 2019. The total sample size was 27 of small and micro dairy processing units in Karnal district of Haryana state. The study concluded that cost of milk procurement was the least in collection centre (Model-I). The integrated production and processing system (Model-II) could attain higher profits (Rs. 9.56/L) compared to Model-I (Rs. 2.65/L) and Vendor system, i.e. Model-III (Rs. 1.78/L). The identified three key interventions, viz. training in milk handling, packing and processing; efficient transportation and processing technology and efficient design of procurement systems need to be applied for leveraging of milk value chain.

Socio-economic model for the operation of a solar platform for the conservation and valorization of local milk in the village of Tatki in Northern Senegal

Livestock is a strategic sector that occupies nearly 60% of rural households and accounts for 4.3% of Senegal's Gross Domestic Product (ANSD, 2016). The dairy sector plays a decisive role in this sector, given its importance in the food security of the population and the income it generates (Alari et al, 2011). However, national milk production is in deficit; the country relies on imports of large quantities of milk powder, 25,000 tons/year, to cover its consumption needs (MEPA, 2016). These imports weigh heavily on public finances, up to 60 billion FCFA/year, thus accentuating the trade balance deficit, which was 2,977 billion FCFA in 2016 (ANSD, 2018). The analysis of the milk value chain highlights, in addition to the difficulties of securing production in the dry season, the poor access to energy in production areas (Enda Energie, 2015). Thus, in these localities, the milk can neither be preserved nor processed to be valorized and allow producers to earn stable incomes. It is in this context that a milk valorization platform was installed in 2016, in the village of Tatki located in a dairy basin in northern Senegal. After two years of operation of the platform, the financial results showed real difficulties in making the business of selling fresh milk to dairy industries profitable, given the landlocked nature of the area. Indeed, the cost price is 320 CFA francs per liter, for a price proposed by the industrialist set at 325 CFA. According to economic calculations, the floor price of a liter of fresh milk should be set at 550 CFA francs, for a minimum average commercialized volume of 471 liters per day, within the framework of a concessional credit at a rate of 5%. These conditions do not correspond to the reality of the current market and could not be applied without a subsidy. Thus, in order to make the platform profitable, it seems essential to add value to the milk by processing it on site. In this regard, the production of yogurt has given very interesting results that could be replicated in other villages in the northern zone. The financial analysis of the activity, for financing at a subsidized rate of 7.5% per year for a period of 7 years and a deferred repayment of 2 years, shows a rate of return of 18% for a period of 15 years, when local milk is processed into yogurt. The wealth generated (10% NPV) amounts to 227,269,450 FCFA and the time to recover the capital invested is 3.90 years.

Prevalence of Listeria species in dairy farms in Khartoum State (Sudan)

This is a cross sectional study conducted at Khartoum State, Sudan with the objective of investigating the occurrence of Listeria spp. in dairy farms and associated environment. One hundred and twenty dairy farms were included in the study (720 samples of milk, teats, utensils, feed, water and air were collected). Conventional microbiological methods to isolate and identify Listeria spp. were done. The overall prevalence of Listeria spp. was 14.7%. Seven species of Listeria were isolated from milk and other sources in dairy farm environment. The identified animal pathogenic Listeria spp. include. L. monocytogenes and L. ivanovii, Other isolated Listeria spp. were L. seeligeri, L. welshimeri, L. innocua. L. grayi and L. murrayi. The presence of Listeria spp. in milk were L. monocytogenes (2.5%), while 1.7% for each of L. seeligeri, L. welshimeri and L. ivanovii were found. The most frequently isolated species was L. welshimeri (33.3%). High prevalence of Listeria spp. was observed in water (24.2%) followed by teats (20.0%), feed (16.7%) and utensils (14.2%) compared to milk (7.5%) and air (5.8%). Dairy farm hygiene and environment have the significant impact on the prevalence of Listeria spp. This study concluded that diversity of the prevalence of Listeria spp. in dairy farm environment necessitates conduction of microbial risk assessment in milk value chain.

Value chain analysis of smallholder milk producer in West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia

The study was aimed at analyzing milk value chains in West Hararghe zone with 140 producers were randomly selected from list of dairy producer kebeles. Meanwhile, 30 traders from different markets and 30 consumers in Chiro,

Characteristics of Dairy Value Chain in Jordan

The objective of this report is to analyze the milk value chain in Jordan depending on information gathering by own experience and The Jordan’s ministry of agriculture report 2015.
 Total amount of milk production by dairy subsector is (266599) tons which represent 44% of total milk consumption, Sheep and Goat milk production is (78436) tons and the amount of imported milk converted as fresh milk is (262845) tons, which is represent more than 43% of total consumption.
 The agriculture sector in Jordan consists of two main sub-sectors: Crop production and livestock industry. Livestock is estimated to contribute to about one-half of the total agricultural GDP. The production of food producing animals is valued to around JD820 million; JD435 million generated from the poultry industry and JD385 million from dairy cattle and small ruminants (sheep and goats) enterprises Ministry of Agriculture.
 The livestock industry consists of facilities of food producing animals (dairy cattle, poultry, sheep, and goats) and several supporting services (factories of veterinary medicines, feed factories, milk processing plants, slaughter houses, and marketing services).

Traditional milk transformation schemes in Côte d'Ivoire and their impact on the prevalence of Streptococcus bovis complex bacteria in dairy products.

The Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus complex (SBSEC) and possibly Streptococcus infantarius subsp. infantarius (Sii) are associated with human and animal diseases. Sii predominate in spontaneously fermented milk products with unknown public health effects. Sii/SBSEC prevalence data from West Africa in correlation with milk transformation practices are limited. Northern Côte d’Ivoire served as study area due to its importance in milk production and consumption and to link a wider Sudano-Sahelian pastoral zone of cross-border trade. We aimed to describe the cow milk value chain and determine Sii/SBSEC prevalence with a cross-sectional study. Dairy production practices were described as non-compliant with basic hygiene standards. The system is influenced by secular sociocultural practices and environmental conditions affecting product properties. Phenotypic and molecular analyses identified SBSEC in 27/43 (62.8%) fermented and 26/67 (38.8%) unfermented milk samples. Stratified by collection stage, fermented milk at producer and vendor levels featured highest SBSEC prevalence of 71.4% and 63.6%, respectively. Sii with 62.8% and 38.8% as well as Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. macedonicus with 7.0% and 7.5% were the predominant SBSEC species identified among fermented and unfermented milk samples, respectively. The population structure of Sii/SBSEC isolates seems to reflect evolving novel dairy-adapted, non-adapted and potentially pathogenic lineages. Northern Côte d’Ivoire was confirmed as area with high Sii presence in dairy products. The observed production practices and the high diversity of Sii/SBSEC supports in-depth investigations on Sii ecology niche, product safety and related technology in the dairy value chain potentially affecting large population groups across sub-Saharan Africa.

Determinant of Milk Market Outlet Choices:The Case of Kofele District, West Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was aimed at Determinant of milk market outlet choices Kofale district, West Arsi Zone, Oromia Ethiopia with the specific objectives of identifying factors affecting milk market participation decision and the level of participation of milk. Data for this study were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected from 142 farmers, 59 traders, 2 cooperatives and 23 consumers. A primary data was collected from the milk value chain actors using semi-structured questionnaires’, key informants, and focus group discussion guide checklist. to analyze the determinants of the producers market participation decision and level of participation double hurdle model was applied. Multivariate probit model used to identify the determinants of market outlets choice decisions. The multivariate probit model results indicated that sex, dairy farming experience, dairy cooperative membership, number of milking cow owned frequency of extension contact, off/non-farm income and access to transportation facility of farm households were significantly influenced milk producers’ choice of market outlets. Keywords: Milk, Market outlet, Multivariate probit DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-7-06 Publication date: April 30 th 2020

Understanding the Influence of Belief and Belief Revision on Consumers’ Purchase Intention of Liquid Milk

An unsustainable milk value chain can make consumers’ retention of preferences fragile, leading to a reduction in belief. One of the major ways of changing this belief is “belief revision” which accounts an interaction between a change in an individual’s preference with reference to its source and a belief expectancy and affects consumers’ behavioral intentions effectively. As there is little research on belief revision, the present study aims to investigate the impact of belief revision on purchase intention under an extended model for the theory of planned behavior. In doing so, the data were collected via a survey design regarding buying and drinking of liquid milk (LM) of the urban area. Principal component analysis and the binary logit model were the main research methods employed to analyze the data. The results of the study show that in a high level of belief expectancy, consumers’ behavioral belief revision and control belief have a negative effect, and the strength of behavioral belief has a positive significant effect on the purchase intention of LM. Moreover, among three social cognitive factors (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control [PBC]), only the PBC is associated positively and significantly with the purchase intention of LM, while no modal salient belief (beliefs, belief expectancies, belief values) affects the social cognitive factors. The study fundamentally adds to the literature, in that it first demonstrates the significance of belief revision in assessing the purchase intention.

Pastoral community practices, microbial quality and associated health risks of raw milk in the milk value chain of Nakasongola District, Uganda

The informal milk value chain in Uganda controls most of the raw marketed milk, albeit of poor quality. A study was conducted to assess the milk handling practices, the bacterial quality and the associated health concerns of raw milk along the informal milk value in Nakasongola District. The cross-sectional study used both qualitative and quantitative methods to obtain information from key players. The qualitative data was categorized and presented into emerging themes. Bacterial contamination of 200 milk samples was determined by morphological and biochemical tests. The antibiotic susceptibility test was done by the disc diffusion method.Hand milking was carried out mainly by men (92.5%), and most never or rarely practised hand washing (67.5%) during milking. Milk was mainly delivered to mobile milk-collecting centres located under tree shades (50%). The quality of raw milk was affected by poor hygienic, handling and transportation practices. Most participants (75%) were aware of the dangers of drinking raw milk and the requirements to transport milk in metallic cans. Viable bacterial counts above the recommended limit were recorded in 76 samples (38%) that included Staphylococcus aureus (46%), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (29%), Escherichia coli (12%), Streptococcus agalactiae (8%) and Salmonella spp. (5%). The overall antibiotic resistance was 45% (34/76), which included resistant isolates of S. aureus (17/34), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (11/22), S. agalactiae (3/6), Salmonella spp. (2/4) and E. coli (2/9).The raw milk contaminated with antibiotic drug-resistant bacterial pathogens is of public health concern. Thus, measures to improve the quality of milk need to be designed for the pastoral community in Nakasongola district.

English

A study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the physicochemical properties and microbial qualities of raw cow’s milk along the milk supply chain in Haramaya district. A total of 123 smallholder dairy producers, one dairy cooperative, 3 milk collectors, 6 milk retailers, 8 selling points and 18 consumers were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Sixty raw milk samples were used for physicochemical and microbiological analysis. Random sampling method was used to collect samples from producers and purposive sampling method was used to collect samples from other sampling sources. The overall mean values for temperature, pH, specific gravity and titratable acidity of marketed milk in the study area were 24.07°C, 6.32, 1.03, and 0.20, respectively, while the overall mean value of fat, protein, total solids, solids-not-fat, and lactose contents were 4.50, 3.24, 12.78, 8.28, and 4.27%, respectively. Significant differences (P<0.05) were found between the sources of milk samples on all measured parameters of chemical composition except fat content. The overall mean total bacterial, coliform, and yeast and mould counts were 5.48, 4.96 and 4.90 log cfu/ml, respectively. In conclusion, the result of this study indicated that milk samples collected from all sampling points were subjected to microbial contamination and did not meet quality standards set by Quality Standard Authority of Ethiopia. It is, therefore, recommended that awareness should be created among stakeholders involved in milk production and handling practices on method of quality milk production and marketing in the study areas. Key words: Raw milk, milk value chain, physicochemical properties, microbial quality.

English

This study was conducted to assess raw milk bacterial loads and micro-organisms associated with milk handling practices and raw milk chain in the North-western region of Rwanda. A multistage sampling method was used to collect sixty-seven raw milk samples that were analyzed for milk quality at four stages of the raw milk chain: dairy farmers, milk hawkers, milk collection centres (MCC) and milk kiosks. Total bacterial counts (TBC) at different stages of the chain were determined and microorganisms were isolated. A questionnaire was distributed to gather information on factors and milk handling practices that influence milk quality at farm level. The study revealed a TBC mean values of 1.2 &times; 106 CFU/ml (dairy farmers), 2.6 &times; 107 CFU/ml (milk hawkers), 1.5 &times; 106 CFU/ml (MCC) and 6.9 &times; 106 CFU/ml (kiosks/restaurants). The prevalent micro-organisms were: Escherichia coli (E. coli), 26.9%; Salmonella spp., 16.4%; Streptococcus spp., 16.4%; coagulase- negative staphylococci (CNS), 14.9%. Bacterial load was highly associated with containers used for milk transport, cleaning time of milk containers and source of water used to clean containers. It is, therefore, highly recommended that all concerned parties in the raw milk value chain improve their milk handling and storage practices. &nbsp; Key words: Bacterial contamination, milk handling, milk quality, north-western Rwanda, raw milk. &nbsp

Information asymmetry, third party certification and the integration of organic food value chain in China

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss characteristics of organic food value chain governance and policy tools that can increase the supply of good quality of agri-products.Design/methodology/approachThis paper discusses a national organic food supply system in China, identifying the link between an organization form with a social confidence crisis and information asymmetry as the main challenges. It develops an analytical model of the market structure of organic certification based on the contract theory, which considers the certification incentive driven by both farmers and processors. Two cases of raw milk producers and processors provide empirical data.FindingsThe argument which is brought forward is that product information asymmetry together with strict requirement for ensuring organic food integrity brings the organic milk value chain into a highly integrated organization pattern. A tight value chain is effective in the governance of organic food supply chain under third party certification (TPC), while a loose value chain discourages producing organic products because of transaction costs. TPC is found to be a positively correlation with a tight value chain, but it brings high organizational cost and it raises cost for consumers.Originality/valueThis is the first paper discussing the governance of organic food value chain in Chinese milk industry.

Camel Milk Value Chain in Kenya: A Review

The dromedary camel is considered an integral species of the arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) in Kenya. It’s adaptation to the climatic and geographical conditions of the ASAL had enabled the camel to be regarded as the most important animal source of food as well as source of transport, draught and cultural significance. Camel milk is to a great extent utilized in the ASAL at subsistence level, but also makes way to the peri-urban centres and ultimately to the capital city, where there is high demand for the product. The main purpose of this review is to consolidate research done on camel milk value chain in Kenya, to establish the contribution of camel milk to the pastoral and national economy, to determine opportunities for investment by the county governments and private sectors as well as to recommend milk value chain upgrading strategies in a bid to increase livelihoods of pastoral communities and other actors involved in the camel milk value chain. Keywords: camel milk, value chain, marketing, upgrading strategies DOI : 10.7176/JMCR/58-06 Publication date :July 31 st 2019

English

This study takes a value chain approach to identify the constraints, opportunities, interventions and possible impact for the milk business in Fafan Zone, Ethiopian Somali Region. A cross sectional survey design was used. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 5 kebeles and from each kebele simple random selection was further used to select 70 women. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were also held with women, administrative staff and milk producer and distributer. Though milk and milk product sale is the major source of income, the women have limited power in milk price willpower. Cow milk produced average of 1 to 2 L/day during dry and 3 to 5 L/day in rainy season. The major factors affecting the milk business are: low milk productivity, high temperature and poor milk handling containers, absence of improved forage, and poor market infrastructure. There is also poor linkage among development actors in the milk value chain. Thus, there is need for improved infrastructure, enhance input supply system, facilitate the access to credit services, and promote women leadership through trainings. Key words: Decision making, empowerment, milk market, sampling, value chain.

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

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.

Antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from milk produced by smallholder dairy farmers in Mbeya Region, Tanzania

Aim: The study determined and evaluated the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from milk collected along the milk value chain from farm herds, milk collection center, and milk shops in Mbeya rural and Mbozi districts, Tanzania. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 milk samples were collected; 96 from farmers' herds, 18 from milk collection centers, and 36 from milk shops. The samples were cultured in Mannitol salt agar for pathogen isolation and biochemical tests performed for confirmation of S. aureus. Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was employed for antibiotic resistance testing. Results: One hundred and forty samples yielded Staphylococcus species; these were from farmer's herd (92), milk collection center (18), and milk shops (30), respectively. Biochemical tests showed that 21 (15%) were positive for S. aureus. The corresponding prevalence rates from the value chain nodes were 14.1%, 16.7%, and 16.7%, respectively. Resistance to penicillin was frequently observed (57.1%) and vancomycin was sensitive to all S. aureus isolates tested. Resistance along the sampling points showed a significant positive correlation (r=0.82, p&lt;0.0001; r=0.65, p&lt;0.003; and r=0.61, p&lt;0.01) between farmers, milk collection points, and milk shops, respectively. More than half (57.1%) of the isolates exhibited resistance to three or more of the antibiotics used in this study. S. aureus isolates were shown to have a multiple antimicrobial resistance patterns, particularly with respect to penicillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, and tetracycline. Conclusion: The level of staphylococcal isolates and the antibiotic resistance of S. aureus found in this study is an indication of subclinical mastitis, poor hygiene, and inappropriate use of antibiotics; therefore, education of farmers on subclinical mastitis control and proper use of antibiotics would be of benefits in these areas.

English

This study assessed the exposure of humans to Staphylococcus species expressing the Enterotoxins genes (SEs) through consumption of boiled-milk-served-hot and fermented milk in Mbeya, Tanzania. A survey involving 120 consumers revealed that 67.5% of the respondents were buying raw milk from milk shops for home consumption. About 76% of respondents boiled milk before consumption, 14.8% ferment the milk after boiling and 5.8% consumed fermented milk without boiling. Children (30%) consumed milk more frequently than other members in the family. Among consumers who buy milk from the milk shops, 71% were daily consumers of both boiled milk served hot and fermented milk. Approximately, 1197 L (90% CI, 987-1416) of ready to consume milk was sold per day. Of which 860 L (90% CI, 645-1071) and 337 L (90% CI, 168-530) were boiled-milk-served-hot and fermented milk, respectively. Out of the ready to consume milk, 490 L (90% CI, 464-516) of boiled-milk-served-hot was contaminated with SEs gene compared to 77.5 L (90% CI, 67-88) of fermented milk. Daily 2394 people were consumers of milk and their products. Exposure assessment shows that the probability of consuming boiled-milk-served-hot and fermented milk contaminated with SEs gene at a milk shop was 0.42 (90% CI, 0.071-0.838) and 0.17 (90% CI, 0-0.62), respectively. It was estimated that every day, 363 (90% CI, 341-385) and 58 (90% CI, 49-66) people were likely to consume boiled milk taken hot and fermented milk contaminated with SE gene, respectively. The finding shows that exposure to SEs gene was two times more likely to occur in people who consume boiled-milk-served-hot than in people who consume fermented milk (OR. 2.221 (90% CI, 0.6-6.16). Awareness creation on proper food handling among milk handlers to reduce contamination along the milk value chain is recommended. Key words: Boiled milk served hot, foodborne disease, public health, fermented milk.

Value chain analysis and sanitary risks of the camel milk system supplying Nairobi city, Kenya

The camel milk trade in Kenya has evolved significantly from a small-scale business undertaken in local villages to its current status involving a large number of different stakeholders supplying urban towns, particularly Nairobi City. Despite the evident growth pattern, the supply of camel milk to Nairobi has largely remained informal, with minimal enforcement of regulations. The aim of this study was to characterise the camel milk system supplying Nairobi and assess its governance, main challenges and the potential food safety risk practices.A value chain analysis framework was used to carry out data collection between August 2014 and July 2015. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews with stakeholders operating in different nodes of the value chains.Three milk value chains supplying Nairobi were identified and mapped: the Isiolo chain, the Kajiado chain and the camel milk processing company chain. Overall, the results indicate that 94% of the milk supplied to Nairobi city is informally traded (traded without any effective regulation), while 6% originates from a formal milk processing company. In the informal chains, milk traders (mostly women) were reported to play a pivotal role in the organisation and daily functioning of the chains. The processing company had partly integrated activities and reported exporting 5% of their products to regional and international markets.Food safety themes identified were associated with i) lack of cold chain, ii) gaps in hygiene practices, particularly at farm and market levels, iii) consumption of raw camel milk, and iv) lack of food safety training, among other issues. Low level involvement by government agencies in enforcing stipulated food safety measures were reported in the informal chains, as these concentrate efforts in the regulation of dairy milk chains. Isiolo milk traders were identified as the dominant group, setting milk prices and providing sanctions.The framework and findings obtained can help future research and policy makers to reach informed decision about what to regulate, where to target and importantly how to make the camel milk value chain more efficient and safer.