FACTORS AFFECTING DAIRY PRODUCTION AMONG DAIRY COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN KENYA

Purpose: Kenya’s population has continued to increase both in the rural and urban areas, with the latest population estimates showing that Kenya’s population is now over 39.8 million people. The high population creates market and price incentive for dairy production. This increased demand should trigger a corresponding increase in production. However, the gap still exists in regard to supply and demand. For this reason, the researcher therefore sought to carry out a study to determine the factors that influence dairy productivity Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps. Results: The study found that various factors influenced dairy milk productivity such as the social economic, cattle breeds and breeding systems, availability and cost of inputs and the adoption of technology. Unique Contribution to Theory and Practices: Sensitization should be carried out to increase the participation of youth and women in dairy farming. Farmers should be encouraged to have succession plans in place for continuity of the dairy industry by involving their children in dairy farming. The National government, county Government and Non-Governmental organizations should look for ways of subsidizing the cost of Artificial insemination Services.