| Popis: |
Fodder scarcity and low quality affect the productivity of dairy cattle in Kenya. Information on the unique strategies used by successful farmers also called positive deviants (PDs) among smallholder dairy farms is scanty. The objective of this study, therefore, was to determine the strategies distinguishing PDs from their peers (non-PDs), in fodder conservation at highlands and midlands agroecological zones of Tharaka Nithi County. Multistage sampling was used to select 121 smallholder dairy farms producing and conserving fodder. An increase in; land under fodder and crop residue, access to extension services, herd size, and milk yield (kg/cow/day) result in to increase in fodder conserved. Therefore, increased herd size, milk yield, land allocated to fodder production, and access to knowledge and skills promote fodder conservation. Further research on PDs methods and technologies of fodder conservation as well as economic performance could provide additional information to develop the dairy industry in highlands and midlands. |
