Investigating causes of low milk productivity among dairy farmers in Lira city.

Abstract

This study aimed to identify factors contributing to low milk production among smallholder dairy farmers in Lira City, northern Uganda, with a focus on management practices, feeding protocols, breed characteristics, and veterinary consultation. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 78 randomly selected farmers from Lira City East and West divisions. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed to determine the relationship between farm management practices and milk productivity. The findings revealed that the majority of participants (65.4%) were from Lira City East, with males constituting 62.8% of the sample. Most participants (50.0%) had only a primary level of education, and 82.1% reared Zebu cattle, a lower-yield breed. Communal grazing was the dominant management system, practiced by 79.5% of farmers. Additionally, 59.0% of farmers were dissatisfied with their animals’ production potential, largely attributing this to poor-quality breeds (45.7%) and feed shortages (54.3%). Only 16.7% of farmers provided supplemental feed, citing high costs (41.0%) and limited knowledge (19.2%) as primary barriers. Veterinary consultations were widely practiced, with 100% of participants seeking professional advice, primarily on a quarterly basis (66.7%). The study concludes that low milk productivity in Lira City is largely due to limited feeding practices, use of lower-yield breeds, and insufficient management practices. To improve productivity, it is recommended that dairy farmers receive enhanced training in pasture management, increased access to supplemental feeds, and support in adopting improved cattle breeds. Implementation of these measures could substantially improve milk output, supporting the livelihoods and food security of smallholder dairy farmers in Lira City.