Traditional Milking Hygiene Practices and their Effect on Raw Milk Quality of Rural Small-Scale Dairy Farmers in Kwa-Hlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

This study examines the impact of traditional hygienic milking practices employed by rural small-scale dairy farmers on the quality of raw milk. While advancements in technology have revolutionized hygienic milk production methods for both small- and large-scale farmers, rural small-scale milk producers, particularly in countries like Zimbabwe, continue to rely heavily on hand milking as their primary method of milk harvesting. To investigate this issue, a convergent parallel mixed research approach was utilized, involving face-to-face interviews with 53 selected rural small-scale dairy farmers using a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive, frequency, chi-square, and cross-tabulation analyses. The findings revealed that participants aged 50 and above constituted the majority (58.5%) and were more likely to report low income. Additionally, households with 8 to 11 members (38%) and those with no formal education (18.9%) were also more likely to report low income. Several parameters were identified as significantly affecting milk quality (p < 0.05), including hand washing after milking, back leg tying, washing of milking utensils, use of towels, teat dipping, milking when sick, covering of milk, mixing of fresh and old milk, and lack of milk pasteurization before consumption. The study concludes that traditional hygiene practices contribute to milk contamination by rural small-scale dairy farmers, compromising the quality of raw milk. To support these farmers, interventions such as the provision of a dairy extension officer, practical workshops, incentives, entrepreneurial skills training, and farmer-to-farmer visits are recommended.

Sustainability of Rural Small-Scale Farmers Using a Thematic Content-Fed Analytic Hierarchy Process

“…Another finding of the present study was AS. Previous studies [7,[117][118][119][120][121] have also shown similar findings that the lack of interaction and priority setting between agricultural extension services, the lack of information concerning agricultural activities and lack of subsidy by the local government were the major constraints faced by the SSDFs. To achieve a more locally sustainable small-scale dairy farming business, a re-evaluation of the industry needs to happen inclusive of all role players and stakeholders to source innovations and insights.…”

“…The lack of local government and agricultural extension officers' support is another constraint affecting farmer sustainability. Previous studies [7,[117][118][119][120][121] report the findings of a lack of interaction and priority setting between agricultural extension services, lack of information dissemination concerning agricultural activities and lack of subsidies by the local government as major problems faced by dairy farmers.…”

“…The creation and sustainability of these enterprises are critical for long term monetary prosperity, development of the rural market and local economic growth [3,4]. However, the survival rate of these enterprises is compromised due to multifaceted challenges which are socioeconomic and geopolitical, and further impede farming activities and rural development [5][6][7]. Although there is ample evidence in the literature that small-scale farming activities can improve rural economies [8][9][10], the concern of financial instability proliferations under the current operational structure suppresses this potential.…”

“…The long-term effects of a well sustained small-scale agriculture are that when SSDFs earn more, they inject their incomes directly into the rural economy, creating growth and diversification [7,47,64]. To achieve this, there should be a direct linkage between farmers and consumers, where consumers purchase directly from the farmer [65].…”