Determinants of Participation in Milk Value Addition by Dairy Producers in Asella Milk-Shed, Ethiopia

Abstract

Dairy producers in Ethiopia practice mainly traditional milk processing methods, and also recognize the benefit of milk value addition to increase income, minimize postharvest losses and prolong shelf life. Contrary to the existing prticipation in the value addition is generally limited to few traditional products. The objective of this study was to examine determinants of participation in milk value addition practices by milk producers in Asella milk-shed. The respondent dairy farmers (n= 178) were selected randomly by employing multi stage sampling assess determinants of participation in the decision and extent of participation in milk value addition practices at farm level. The present study indicated that 77% of the households had added value to their milk products. The results of the significantly affected by perceived price of value added products, access to livestock extension services, family size and level of education by household heads. The decision to participate in milk value additions were negatively affected by the number of children cows. On the other hand, the volume of milk produced, amount of non-dairy income, and access to livestock extension services positively affected the extent of participation in milk value addition. The results suggest that the decision to participate in value addition and extent of value addition depends on household characteristics, perceived benefit of value addition, access to exten capacity to add value by creating awareness, strengthening extension service and productivity.