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<p>Dairy farming plays a critical role in Kenya’s agricultural economy but also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Smallholder mixed crop-livestock systems dominate the sector and face challenges related to feed quality and manure management. This study aimed to assess the economic and environmental impacts of improved feeding strategies on smallholder dairy farms in the Lake Victoria Basin region of Western Kenya. Data were collected from 160 farms across Vihiga, Siaya, Kakamega, and Homabay counties and analyzed using economic modeling and IPCC Tier I and II methods to evaluate profitability and GHG emissions. Results indicated that replacing low-quality crop residues with high-quality forages improved milk yields and farm profitability, with a 9% increase in returns and a 6% reduction in production costs per kilogram of fat and protein-corrected milk (FPCM). GHG emission intensity per kilogram of FPCM decreased by 11%, mainly due to enhanced feed efficiency and increased milk production. Manure management practices, particularly the use of covered solid storage, also contributed to reduced methane and nitrous oxide emissions. The study concludes that adopting high-quality feed and proper manure management enhances both farm productivity and environmental sustainability. Policymakers are encouraged to support access to quality forage and promote climate-smart practices among smallholder farmers. Further research should explore genetic improvements and precision feeding as additional mitigation strategies. </p>

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The effects of economic and environmental strategies on typical dairy farms performance in the Lake Victoria Basin region of Kenya

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月22日

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  • Reagan Lewis,
  • Nina Grassnick,
  • Katrin Agethen

摘要

Dairy farming plays a critical role in Kenya’s agricultural economy but also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Smallholder mixed crop-livestock systems dominate the sector and face challenges related to feed quality and manure management. This study aimed to assess the economic and environmental impacts of improved feeding strategies on smallholder dairy farms in the Lake Victoria Basin region of Western Kenya. Data were collected from 160 farms across Vihiga, Siaya, Kakamega, and Homabay counties and analyzed using economic modeling and IPCC Tier I and II methods to evaluate profitability and GHG emissions. Results indicated that replacing low-quality crop residues with high-quality forages improved milk yields and farm profitability, with a 9% increase in returns and a 6% reduction in production costs per kilogram of fat and protein-corrected milk (FPCM). GHG emission intensity per kilogram of FPCM decreased by 11%, mainly due to enhanced feed efficiency and increased milk production. Manure management practices, particularly the use of covered solid storage, also contributed to reduced methane and nitrous oxide emissions. The study concludes that adopting high-quality feed and proper manure management enhances both farm productivity and environmental sustainability. Policymakers are encouraged to support access to quality forage and promote climate-smart practices among smallholder farmers. Further research should explore genetic improvements and precision feeding as additional mitigation strategies.