Abstract:
Three rapid market estimation techniques were used to quantify the informal milk market in two
Tanzanian municipalities, namely Iringa and Tanga, with reference to producer-based estimates,
retailer-based estimates and a stratified consumer survey. The nature of the milk market systems in
the two study areas was reflected in the magnitude and dynamics of milk consumption; the informal
market was particularly important for a ‘subject to deprivation’ group in both cases. Producer-based
estimates did not account for milk from outside the study area, whereas retail surveys omitted details
of the producers’ own consumption and their direct sales. Consumer surveys captured the widest
variety of informal milk sources but, like retail studies, omitted producers’ consumption. Therefore
the most accurate rapid estimation of markets for consumable products may be obtained by
triangulating producer data with consumer surveys (informal market) and adding reliable (and
usually relatively easily obtained) data from processors and retailers to capture trade through formal
channels.
