Assessment of socio-economic determinants and impacts of climate-smart feeding practices in the Kenyan dairy sector

Abstract

The Kenyan dairy sector has economic potential to improve the welfare of rural households. However, the availability of feed resources, an essential input in dairy production, remains a significant constraint and is exacerbated by the effects of climate change. Using a sample of 665 dairy farmers from selected counties, this study assessed the determinants and impact of adoption of climate-smart feeding practices on milk productivity and output, dairy milk commercialization, and dairy and household income. The multinomial endogenous switching regression was used to account for self-selection bias from observable and non-observable factors. The study identified human and social capital, resource endowment, dairy feeding systems, the source of information about feeding practices, and perceived characteristics of these practices as factors that influenced the likelihood of adopting climate-smart feeding practices. The uptake of climate-smart fodder and feed concentrates together significantly increased milk productivity and output and dairy income. The uptake of climate-smart feed concentrates singly also increased dairy milk commercialization and household income. To facilitate the uptake of climate-smart feeding practices, pluralistic extension systems should be strengthened, practices made available, knowledge about climate change enhanced, and practice-oriented learning adopted. Further, the adoption of both climate-smart fodder and feed concentrates should be emphasized for improved household welfare.