INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XV, Issue VI, June 2026  
The Effect of Sustainable Dairy Cattle Value Chain Management  
Practices on Farmers’ Income in Kikatsi Subcounty, Kiruhura District  
Musinguzi Edwin*, Dr. Mwebembezi William, and Rev. Nuwemuhwezi Gershom  
Faculty of Agriculture, Environmental Science and Technology, Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara,  
Uganda  
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2026.150600033  
Received: 13 June 2026; Accepted: 18 June 2026; Published: 03 July 2026  
ABSTRACT  
The study focused on evaluating the effect of sustainable dairy cattle value chain management practices on  
farmers' income in Kikatsi Subcounty, Kiruhura District. It was guided by one objective to identify the factors  
influencing the adoption of sustainable dairy cattle value chain management practices in Kikatsi Subcounty. The  
study employed a cross-sectional research design. Primary data were collected from 238 respondents using a  
questionnaire and an interview guide. The study employed simple random sampling and purposive sampling to  
select the correct categories of respondents. The data was analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Results revealed  
that the adoption of sustainable dairy cattle value chain management practices in Kikatsi Subcounty is mainly  
driven by technological and input access, education level, access to credit facilities, institutional and extension  
support, farmers’ income, and market accessibility, all of which showed positive and significant effects. This  
indicates that when farmers have access to improved technologies, financial resources, education, and reliable  
markets, they are more likely to embrace sustainable dairy practices. The results explain that improvements in  
milk yield and quality, market access and prices, cost reduction through efficient resource use, and improved  
breeding and animal health significantly raise farmers’ earnings. The study recommends that; agricultural  
extension officers and cooperatives should intensify farmer training on sustainable feeding, breeding, and milk  
handling practices to sustain and expand gains in yield and quality. Policymakers should integrate sustainable  
dairy value chain practices into national agricultural programs, emphasizing incentives for farmers who adopt  
environmentally friendly and resource-efficient systems.  
Keywords: Sustainable Dairy Cattle, Value Chain Management Practices, Farmer's Income, Kikatsi Sub county,  
Kiruhura District.  
INTRODUCTION  
The dairy sector is one of the most important components of global agriculture, contributing about 40% of  
agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and playing a critical role in sustaining livelihoods, particularly  
among smallholder farmers in developing countries (Akzar et al., 2023; Abbasi & Nawab, 2021). Milk is among  
the most valuable agricultural commodities worldwide, ranking third by production tonnage and first by value,  
with global production reaching about 770 billion litres valued at USD 328 billion. It contributes approximately  
27% of the global livestock value added and about 10% of total agricultural value, underscoring its significance  
to food security, nutrition, and economic development at household, national, and global levels.  
Despite its importance, the dairy sector faces persistent challenges, including low productivity, limited access to  
inputs, weak market linkages, climate change impacts, and slow adoption of sustainable value-chain  
management practices (Mekonnen et al., 2010). These challenges highlight the need for effective and sustainable  
dairy cattle value-chain management strategies to enhance productivity, income, and resilience, especially for  
smallholder farmers.  
Globally and regionally, several initiatives demonstrate the positive impact of strengthening dairy value chains.  
In Bangladesh, the Strengthening Dairy Value Chains (SDVC) project significantly improved milk production  
and household incomes by enhancing farmer skills, access to inputs, and market integration, while also  
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empowering women through active participation in the value chain (CARE, 2015). In Africa, innovative and  
climate-smart approaches adopted between 2015 and 2024 have gradually transformed the dairy sector by  
improving productivity, income, and environmental sustainability.  
In Kenya, programs such as the Kenya Market-Led Dairy Programme (KMDP) have promoted sustainable  
intensification through improved breeding, feeding, disease control, and efficient milk collection systems,  
resulting in higher incomes and reduced post-harvest losses for smallholder farmers (Mutavi, 2021). The  
adoption of biogas digesters has further contributed to environmental sustainability and cost savings by reducing  
methane emissions and providing renewable energy (Koech et al., 2022). Similarly, in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian  
Livestock Master Plan (ELMP) has focused on improving genetics, feed, and veterinary services, leading to  
increased milk yields, better market access, and enhanced household incomes (Shapiro et al., 2017).  
Uganda’s dairy sector is a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing about 9% to the agricultural GDP  
and 4% to the total GDP (Muhumuza et al., 2024). Milk production has grown significantly, increasing from  
2.51 billion litres in 2018 to approximately 3.85 billion litres in 2022, reflecting an average annual growth rate  
of about 11% (Muhumuza et al., 2024). However, challenges such as livestock diseases, low adoption of  
improved dairy breeds, and limited investment in feed resources continue to constrain the sector’s full potential  
(Muhumuza et al., 2024). To address these challenges, Uganda has implemented climate-smart initiatives,  
including the Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA) on Climate-Smart Dairy Livestock Value  
Chains, which promotes resilient, low-carbon dairy development through policy support, technical assistance,  
and access to finance (UNDP, 2017).  
At the sub-national level, dairy farming is a dominant economic activity in Kikatsi Subcounty, Kiruhura District.  
Evidence shows a relatively high level of participation in formal milk marketing channels, with about 72.11%  
of milk sold through formal markets, influenced by factors such as milk production volumes, proximity to  
collection centers, pricing, payment arrangements, household size, and access to market information  
(Nkwasibwe et al., 2015). This demonstrates that sustainable dairy cattle value-chain management practices,  
particularly improved market access and pricing mechanisms, can significantly enhance farmers’ incomes and  
livelihoods. Overall, the background highlights the critical importance of sustainable dairy value-chain  
management in improving productivity, incomes, and resilience of smallholder farmers in Uganda and beyond.  
Problem Statement  
In an ideal setting, dairy farming households are expected to benefit from sustainable value chain management  
practices such as improved animal nutrition, enhanced breeding, effective disease management, quality milk  
handling, and reliable market access which collectively contribute to higher productivity, reduced losses, and  
improved household incomes (Kabirizi, 2022; FAO, 2023). When well-managed, the dairy cattle value chain  
practices provides a stable income source and contributes significantly to rural livelihoods and national GDP  
(ILRI, 2022).  
In reality, however, in Kikatsi Subcounty, Kiruhura District, many smallholder dairy farmers continue to earn  
low and unstable incomes despite being in a traditionally livestock-based economy. This is due to poor adoption  
of sustainable dairy practices such as sub-optimal feeding, limited access to improved breeds and veterinary  
services, lack of milk preservation technologies, and weak bargaining power in markets (Akwap, 2023; MAAIF,  
2022). Additionally, poor infrastructure, climate variability, and weak farmer organizations further constrain the  
efficiency of the dairy value chain (Nsubuga, 2024).  
While several government and NGO-led initiatives have promoted sustainable dairy production across Uganda,  
there is limited empirical research focusing on the actual impact of these practices on farmers’ income in semi-  
arid, cattle corridor areas like Kikatsi Subcounty. Most studies are either generalized or focus on technical  
aspects, leaving a gap in understanding the implications of adopting sustainable dairy value chain practices on  
farmer’s income at the grassroots level (Tumusiime, 2024). This study therefore sought to assess the extent to  
which sustainable dairy cattle value chain management practices influence farmer incomes in Kikatsi Subcounty,  
thereby addressing a key knowledge gap.  
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General objective of the study  
To evaluate the effect of sustainable dairy cattle value chain management practices on farmers' income in Kikatsi  
Subcounty, Kiruhura District. The specific objective was to identify the factors influencing the adoption of  
sustainable dairy cattle value chain management practices  
Justification of the study  
The study was justified by the continued low and unstable incomes among smallholder dairy farmers in Kikatsi  
Sub-county, despite dairy farming being a dominant livelihood activity and a key contributor to Uganda’s  
agricultural economy, where the dairy sector accounts for about 9% of agricultural GDP and 4% of total GDP  
(Muhumuza et al., 2024). Although national milk production increased from 2.51 billion liters in 2018 to 3.85  
billion liters in 2022, many farmers in semi-arid cattle corridor areas such as Kikatsi still face poor adoption of  
sustainable dairy value chain practices, including sub-optimal feeding, limited access to improved breeds and  
veterinary services, inadequate milk cooling and storage technologies, and weak market bargaining power  
(MAAIF, 2022; Akwap, 2023). Previous studies and development programs in Uganda have largely been  
generalized or technically focused, leaving limited empirical evidence on how adopting sustainable dairy cattle  
value chain management practices directly influences farmers’ income at the grassroots level, particularly in  
cattle corridor settings (Tumusiime, 2024). Moreover, unsustainable dairy practices contribute to post-harvest  
milk losses, environmental degradation, and vulnerability to climate change through overgrazing, poor manure  
management, and methane emissions (FAO, 2023; UNDP, 2017). Given that over 50% of households in Kikatsi  
rely primarily on dairy farming for income, improving sustainability within the dairy value chain has direct  
implications for household welfare, food and nutrition security, employment for youth and women, and inclusive  
rural economic growth. Therefore, this study was necessary to generate location-specific evidence on the factors  
influencing adoption of sustainable dairy practices and their effect on farmers’ income, to guide policymakers,  
extension services, and development partners in designing targeted, climate-smart, and income-enhancing  
interventions for the dairy sector in Kikatsi Sub-county.  
Significance of the study  
The study will be significant to different stake holders;  
Farmers: The study results will benefit dairy farmers by providing evidence-based insights into the most effective  
sustainable value-chain management practices that enhance productivity and income. This knowledge will  
empower farmers to adopt improved methods, boost their earnings, and secure their livelihoods.  
Policy Makers: The study findings will inform policymakers in the agricultural sector, particularly those in the  
Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), on how to design and implement supportive  
policies, extension services, and incentives aimed at promoting sustainable dairy farming.  
Agricultural Extension Officers: Extension officers will gain practical knowledge on sustainable dairy value-  
chain management, which they can disseminate to farmers. This will enhance their capacity to offer tailored  
advice and technical support, ensuring more farmers adopt beneficial practices.  
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): NGOs involved in agricultural development and rural livelihoods  
will use the study findings to design programs that support sustainable dairy farming, strengthen value chains,  
and uplift smallholder dairy farmers.  
Researchers and Academicians: The study findings will add to the existing body of knowledge on sustainable  
agriculture and dairy value-chain management. It will serve as a reference for future research and academic  
studies, stimulating further inquiry into strategies for improving farmers' incomes.  
Local Government: The Kiruhura District Local Government will use the study findings to better understand the  
economic dynamics of dairy farming in Kikatsi Subcounty. This will guide planning, resource allocation, and  
community support initiatives tailored to the needs of dairy farmers.  
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MATERIALS AND METHODS  
The study was conducted in Kikatsi Subcounty, Kiruhura District, located in Western Uganda. The area lies  
within the Greater Mbarara Region and is predominantly characterized by dairy farming as a key economic  
activity. Kikatsi Subcounty was selected because of its high concentration of dairy farmers and its active  
participation in dairy cattle value chain activities, making it suitable for examining factors influencing the  
adoption of sustainable dairy cattle value chain management practices.  
A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted to address objective one of the study, which was to  
identify the factors influencing the adoption of sustainable dairy cattle value chain management practices. This  
design enabled the collection of data at a single point in time and was appropriate for assessing relationships  
between adoption levels and influencing factors in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner. The study mainly  
employed a quantitative approach, supplemented by qualitative data from key informants to provide contextual  
explanations.  
The study population comprised dairy farmers in Kikatsi Subcounty who were actively involved in dairy cattle  
value chain management. Key informants, including agricultural extension officers, dairy cooperative leaders,  
veterinarians, and local leaders, were also included due to their expertise and firsthand knowledge of sustainable  
dairy practices. Eligible respondents were dairy farmers aged 20 years and above, who had been engaged in  
dairy farming for at least one year and were willing to participate in the study. Farmers not involved in dairy  
activities or those with limited experience were excluded.  
A total sample size of 238 respondents was determined using Yamane’s (1967) formula based on an estimated  
population of 588 dairy value chain actors and a margin of error of 5%. Simple random sampling was used to  
select dairy farmers to ensure equal chances of participation and minimize selection bias. Purposive sampling  
was used to select key informants with specialized knowledge relevant to sustainable dairy cattle value chain  
management practices.  
Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides. The questionnaire was administered  
face-to-face to dairy farmers and consisted mainly of closed-ended questions, with a few open-ended items,  
focusing on factors influencing the adoption of sustainable dairy cattle value chain management practices. These  
factors included access to extension services, availability of quality feeds, disease control measures, breeding  
practices, milk handling practices, access to markets, credit facilities, and training. The interview guide was used  
to collect qualitative data from key informants to gain deeper insights into institutional, socio-economic, and  
environmental factors affecting adoption.  
Data analysis focused exclusively on objective one. Quantitative data were entered into SPSS version 23.0 and  
analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages to summarize the factors influencing  
adoption of sustainable dairy cattle value chain management practices. Regression analysis was conducted to  
determine the strength and significance of relationships between identified factors and the level of adoption.  
Qualitative data from interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis, and key findings were presented  
in narrative form to complement quantitative results.  
STUDY RESULTS  
Demographic characteristics of respondents  
Variable  
Category  
Male  
Frequency (n = 238) Percentage (%)  
Sex  
146  
92  
61.3  
38.7  
11.8  
Female  
20–25  
Age group (years)  
28  
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26–30  
40  
53  
58  
59  
168  
43  
12  
15  
16.8  
22.3  
24.4  
24.8  
70.6  
18.1  
5.0  
31–35  
36–40  
41 & above  
Married  
Single  
Marital Status  
Divorced  
Widow(er)  
6.3  
Highest Level of Education No formal education 25  
10.5  
31.1  
37.8  
20.6  
50.8  
24.8  
14.3  
10.1  
Primary  
74  
90  
49  
121  
59  
34  
24  
Secondary  
Tertiary  
Main Source of Income  
Dairy farming  
Crop growing  
Business  
Salary employment  
Source: Field data, 2025  
The study findings show that the majority of respondents were male (61.3%), while females accounted for 38.7%,  
indicating male dominance in dairy farming in Kikatsi Sub-county, likely due to men’s greater ownership and  
control of productive assets such as land and livestock; however, the substantial participation of women suggests  
increasing involvement in the dairy value chain, particularly in milk handling, processing, and marketing. In  
terms of age, 11.8% of respondents were aged 20–25 years, 16.8% were 26–30 years, 22.3% were 31–35 years,  
24.4% were 36–40 years, and 24.8% were 41 years and above, demonstrating that dairy farming is mainly  
managed by mature, economically active adults with stable family responsibilities and farming experience, while  
limited youth participation may be attributed to capital constraints or lack of access to land. Marital status results  
revealed that 70.6% of respondents were married, 18.1% were single, 5.0% were divorced, and 6.3% were  
widowed, implying that married households benefit from family labor support that enhances farm management  
and adoption of sustainable practices such as fodder conservation and record keeping, while also enabling  
reinvestment of dairy income into household welfare and production inputs. Regarding education, 10.5% of  
respondents had no formal education, 31.1% had attained primary education, 37.8% had secondary education,  
and 20.6% had tertiary education, indicating a relatively high level of educational attainment, which is a key  
determinant in adopting sustainable dairy value chain practices, including feed formulation, artificial  
insemination, milk hygiene, and financial record management, ultimately improving productivity and income.  
Furthermore, 50.8% of respondents relied primarily on dairy farming as their main economic activity, followed  
by crop growing (24.8%), business (14.3%), and salary employment (10.1%), highlighting the central role of  
dairying in livelihoods within Kikatsi Sub-county, where improvements in sustainable dairy cattle value chain  
management—such as enhanced breeding, milk quality control, and value addition, have the potential to directly  
increase household incomes and stimulate local economic growth.  
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Regression Output on the factors influencing the adoption of sustainable dairy cattle value chain  
management practices  
Predictor Variable  
Unstandardized  
Coefficients (B)  
Std.  
Error  
Standardized  
Coefficients (Beta)  
t-value Sig. (p-  
value)  
1.214  
0.324  
0.392  
0.085  
–
3.098  
3.812  
0.002 **  
0.000 **  
(Constant)  
0.278  
Technological &  
input access  
0.217  
0.291  
0.097  
0.112  
0.185  
0.206  
2.237  
2.598  
0.026 **  
0.010 **  
Level of education  
Access to credit  
facilities  
0.178  
0.090  
0.133  
1.978  
0.049 **  
Institutional &  
extension support  
0.256  
0.204  
-0.065  
0.118  
0.088  
0.072  
0.169  
0.161  
-0.057  
2.170  
2.318  
-0.903  
0.031 **  
0.021 **  
0.368  
Farmer’s income  
Market accessibility  
Gender roles &  
labor availability  
0.146  
0.084  
0.112  
1.738  
0.084  
Cooperative  
membership  
Predictor is significant at p-value < 0.05 and non-significant at p-value > 0.05  
Technological and input access had the strongest positive and significant influence on the adoption of sustainable  
dairy practices (β = 0.278, p = 0.000), indicating that farmers with better access to technologies and inputs are  
more likely to adopt sustainable practices. Education level also shows a positive and significant effect (B = 0.217,  
p = 0.026), implying that educated farmers better understand sustainability benefits and extension messages,  
while access to credit significantly enhances adoption (B = 0.291, p = 0.010) by enabling investment in improved  
housing, feed conservation, and milk storage technologies. Institutional and extension support positively and  
marginally influences adoption (p = 0.049), suggesting that regular training and technical guidance promote  
sustainable dairy management. Farmer income (p = 0.031) and market accessibility (B = 0.204, p = 0.021) also  
significantly enhance adoption by improving farmers’ capacity and incentives to invest in quality production and  
sustainable practices. In contrast, gender roles and labor availability (B =-0.065, p = 0.368) and cooperative  
membership (B = 0.146, p = 0.084) show positive or negative but non-significant effects, indicating that they  
are not decisive factors in the adoption of sustainable dairy practices. The results imply that membership alone  
may not guarantee knowledge transfer or resource access unless cooperatives are active, well-managed, and  
provide tangible benefits. Strengthening cooperative governance and service delivery can make them more  
influential in promoting sustainable practices.  
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS  
Factors influencing the adoption of sustainable dairy cattle value chain management practices  
Technological and input access had the strongest positive and statistically significant influence on adoption (β =  
0.278, p < 0.001). This indicates that farmers with better access to improved dairy technologies, such as artificial  
insemination, improved breeds, veterinary drugs, feeds, and milking equipment, are more likely to adopt  
sustainable practices. The results further explain that access to inputs and improved dairy technologies  
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significantly enhances productivity and sustainability among smallholder farmers. The findings are in line with  
Bramley et al., (2023), whose study indicated that advanced technologies such as precision livestock farming,  
automated milking systems, and genetic improvement tools enable dairy farmers to optimize milk production  
and reduce environmental impacts. Similar findings were reported by Muriuki (2021), who noted that technology  
adoption remains the cornerstone of transforming African dairy systems into sustainable enterprises, especially  
in East Africa, where traditional production systems dominate. Therefore, the findings from Kikatsi sub-county  
are in strong agreement with previous research emphasizing that accessibility to technology and inputs is a  
critical driver for the adoption of sustainable dairy practices.  
Education level was also found to significantly influence adoption. Educated farmers are more likely to  
understand, appreciate, and adopt sustainable dairy management practices due to their ability to interpret  
extension information and access innovation networks. Further still, education positively influences farmers’  
engagement in sustainable dairy innovations by improving record-keeping and planning. This finding aligns  
with Baffoe et al., (2021) whose research study in Ethiopia, showed that where farmers often have limited access  
to formal education, the adoption of sustainable practices can be more challenging. Baffoe et al., (2021) also  
reported that the lack of technical knowledge on topics such as climate-smart farming practices hinders the  
adoption of sustainable techniques.  
Access to credit facilities showed a positive and significant effect on adoption. This implies that financial  
inclusion enables farmers to invest in sustainable inputs such as improved breeds, pasture establishment, and  
milk cooling facilities. Access to affordable credit improves the capacity of smallholder dairy farmers in Uganda  
to invest in sustainable dairy value chain technologies. This finding is consistent with Ploeg, (2022) whose study  
in United States and the Netherlands revealed that subsidies and financial incentives for sustainable dairy  
farming practices, such as organic certification or environmental grants, have led to wider adoption. Ploeg, (2022)  
further reported that the Dutch government has introduced policies that financially incentivize dairy farmers to  
implement practices such as nutrient recycling and biodiversity enhancement on farms.  
Gender roles and labor availability showed a negative but insignificant effect (β = -0.057, p = 0.368). This  
suggests that gender differences in labor allocation may not substantially influence adoption in Kikatsi sub-  
county. This finding is in contrast with Njuki and Mburu (2019), who found out that gender inequalities in access  
to productive resources can hinder technology adoption among women farmers. However, the finding agrees  
with Sultana et al., (2022) whose their study reported that women are central to dairy farming, especially in sub-  
Saharan Africa. Sultana et al., (2022) further noted that women are responsible for milking cows, managing  
livestock health, and processing milk products. However, despite their significant role, women often face  
challenges in accessing resources such as credit, land, and training, which limits their ability to implement  
sustainable practices.  
Farmer’s income exhibited a positive and significant effect (β = 0.169, p = 0.031). Higher incomes enable  
farmers to invest in improved feeds, animal health, and housing, which are essential components of sustainable  
dairy value chain practices.  
The results show that income stability enhances the capacity of farmers to invest in productivity-enhancing  
technologies and risk management strategies. The finding contrasts with Abdullahi et al., (2021) in Nigeria, who  
cautioned that higher income alone does not necessarily lead to adoption unless accompanied by awareness and  
institutional support. Therefore, income acts as an enabling factor that complements other drivers such as training,  
credit, and technology access.  
STUDY CONCLUSION  
In relation to objective one, results reveal that the adoption of sustainable dairy cattle value chain management  
practices in Kikatsi Subcounty is mainly driven by technological and input access, education level, access to  
credit facilities, institutional and extension support, farmer’s income, and market accessibility, all of which  
showed positive and significant effects. This indicates that when farmers have access to improved technologies,  
financial resources, education, and reliable markets, they are more likely to embrace sustainable dairy practices.  
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STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS  
Agricultural extension officers and cooperatives should intensify farmer training on sustainable feeding,  
breeding, and milk handling practices to sustain and expand gains in yield and quality.  
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS  
This work would not have seen the light of day without the contributions and efforts of a number of people to  
whom I would like to pass a word of appreciation. In the first instance, special thanks go to my supervisors, Dr.  
Mwebembezi William and Rev. Nuwemuhwezi Gershom, for their tireless and valuable guidance, positive  
criticisms, and suggestions that have brought this dissertation to the end. My heartfelt gratitude goes to my  
relatives and family for giving me the foundation that has brought me this far. I cannot forget to mention my  
parents who inspired me. I would like to thank my colleagues taking the same course for their valuable  
discussions, seminars and support that made this dissertation successful. My heartfelt gratitude goes to local  
government authorities in Kikatsi Subcounty for granting me an opportunity to carry out this study in their area  
without hesitation and thanks also go my respondents for their cooperation during data collection process.  
Conflicts of Interest  
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.  
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