Economic opportunity survey of small-scale dairy farms at Keren Sub Zone of Eritrea
Economic opportunity survey of small-scale dairy farms
Keywords:
Economic opportunity, Eritrea, Financial management, Recordkeeping, Small scale dairy farms, SurveyAbstract
An investigation was conducted to study the economic opportunities on small-scale dairy farms (SCD) to assess production and financial management and record-keeping system and to identify areas of economic opportunity on SCD at Keren Sub Zone. There were 57 market-oriented SCD in regions categorized into 4 classes, namely herd size 1-5 (A), 6-10 (B), 11-15 (C), and more than 16 (D), respectively. Through stratified random sampling, 30 SCD were selected for the economic opportunity survey, including 13, 11, 4, and 2 samples from A, B, C, and D, categories, respectively. Three-level standard questionnaire software was utilized for surveying. The primary data were used to calculate production and management indices individually for each SCD followed by statistical analysis using standard methods. It is recommended that the awareness of the farmers on scientific practices of dairy cattle needs enhancement. Dairy producers should have a continuous assessment of the profitability of their farms and develop their pastures. The area of economic opportunity needs identifying intervention to get a profit. The balanced ration should be formulated for each class of animals. Full records of the farm activities including detailed information on individual animals should be maintained on the farm.
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