Impact and adoption of feed technologies at Nharira-Lancashire Dairy Scheme

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact and adoption of nutrition technologies and their effect on milk production at the Nharira-Lancashire dairy scheme. Sixty households (30 from each scheme) were randomly selected and interviewed by use of a semi-structured questionnaire. Fisher’s exact and Monte Carlo tests were carried out to determine the association between farmer experience and feed technology. Logistic regression was used to rank farmers’ awareness and adoption of feed technologies. The results indicated that farmers have been exposed to at least five new feed technologies and adoption is influenced by education status, sex, age and gender of household head (P < 0.05). Feed technology adoption was in the order: silage 70.83% > sunflower cake 41.66% > legume reinforcement 27.1% > legume trees 16.66% > napier fodder 8.33% > urea treatment 4.17%. Milk yield was affected by month and year (P < 0.05). The impact of adoption was below anticipation, as indicated by lack of economic surpluses. A cost-benefit analysis needs to be carried out for all feed technologies within the study area to streamline viable options.