Abstract:
This study was conducted to evaluate the contribution of dairy cattle to poverty reduction
in Igunga District of Tabora region. The study focused on exploring milk marketing,
determining dairy cattle performance, assessing different sources of income and
assessing dairy-crop integration. Primary data were collected using a semi structured
interviewing schedule from 51 dairy cattle owners, and 53 farmers without dairy
cattle. The study was carried out using a cross sectional research design approach.
Statistical package for social science (SPSS) computer software was used to analyze
the data. The major occupation of respondents was farming, although some practiced
petty trading and a few were civil servants. Dairying was practiced but not as the
major economic activity. The mean income after joining dairy activities was found to
be more than four times (Tshs 2 941 955/=) than the mean income before they
practiced dairying (Tshs 629 959/=). A t-test computed revealed statistically
significant difference between those incomes (t = 1.936; p< 0.05). Farmers saved an
amount ranging from Tshs 168 000/= to Tshs 420 000/= used for buying mineral
fertilizers through using cattle manure. Crop residues were used to feed dairy cattle.
Lactation lengths were significantly correlated (r = 0.385; p < 0.05) with the amount
of milk produced in a lactation. Major constraints encountered in dairy project in the
study area included lack of enough pastures, drugs, water and
animal diseases
whereby 41 animals died and lack of reliable markets for their milk. The multiple
correlation
(R = 0.861) computed had shown that dairy farming was
profitable and had contribution in increasing household income. For efficient breeding
and improved dairy cattle production, dairy farmers in Igunga district should be
educated to adhere to the principles of dairy cattle managements so as to benefit from
the project. This study has indeed shown that dairy cattle enterprises had contribution
to poverty reduction through income obtained, milk consumed and increased crop
yield after using cattle manure.
