Camel Milk Commercialization: Determinants of Milk Marketing and Input Purchasing Decisions in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties, Kenya

Demand for animal products is increasing, and pastoralists can seize the opportunity to advance food security and economic development. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine how pastoralists' demographics, physical assets, and human capital relate to decision-making and the extent of market participation. Binary and multiple linear regression were performed at a 0.05 level of significance. A mixed-methods approach was employed to collect information, including Focus Group Discussions with different camel milk-producing and marketing stakeholders, facilitated by the researcher and staff from the Livestock Departments. Qualitative content analysis, involving repeated readings, was employed to identify recurrent patterns and themes. Quantitative data analysis involved determining means and applying a double-hurdle model, with a binary regression in the first stage followed by linear regression in the second stage for the decision and extent of market participation, respectively. Coefficients for every variable of regression were at a 0.05 level of significance. Pastoralists who had other sources of income were 86% and 79% in Isiolo and Marsabit counties, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of participating in milk sales were lower among households that were not accessing extension services (OR=0.186, p<0.05). Extension services were associated with a 38.9% increase in extent of milk sales during the dry season, while additional years of experience were associated with a 18.5% decrease (p < 0.05). Larger herd sizes significantly increased the proportion of milk sold in the dry season but reduced the percentage sold during the wet season. This is because the local demand in dry periods encouraged more sales. The study recommends strengthening extension institutions through policy formulation and implementation. Indigenous methods of increasing milk shelf life were found to have other negative effects. Therefore, investing in cold chain infrastructure could significantly enhance the efficiency, safety, and profitability of the camel milk value chain. Information generated will give policy guidelines on areas to emphasize for socio-economic development in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).