Local Production and Commercialisation of Milk from Holstein Cows in the Grassfields of Cameroon: Contribution to Improving Living Conditions in Rural Areas

The role of livestock farming is no longer to be demonstrated in rural areas. Livestock provide income and facilitate access to food in rural areas. The aim of this article is to analyse the local production and marketing of milk from Holstein cows in the Grassfield (North West and West regions) of Cameroon in order to understand how much Holstein farming contributes to the rural economy. The data was collected using a questionnaire administered to 325 households producing milk from Holstein cows only. These households were selected on the basis of the existence of milk production units in the study area The data were analysed using SPSS version 20 software and Excel. Analyses of the data collected reveal that; the average milk production of cows in Grassfields varies from one lactation stage to another (7.75 liters/ day in the beginning of lactation to 17 liters / day at the end of lactation) with a daily average of 12.83 liters per day. The milk production of Holstein cows in the study areas is higher in Noun division (10 to 20 liters / day) than in Mezam division (5.5 to 14 liters per day). The profit margin generated by large producers is 230,100 CFA francs per month. On the other hand, the small producers have a profit margin of 33,800 CFA francs per month. The chi-square test of independence showed that X² = 5.756 and the probability (sig) = 1.6% which is less than 5%, which implies that the result is significant at 5%. The rotating saving groups contribute to the improvement of incomes. They therefore play a role in financing production. The evaluation of the contribution of rotating saving and credits association in improving the standard of living of households producing Holstein milk has shown that rotating saving association contribute significantly to the financing of the production of milk in production units, the education of children in breeding households. Rotating saving groups facilitate access to household food and healthcare. This economic activity of production and commercialisation of milk from Holstein cows certainly makes it possible to meet the daily needs of households, but it remains an informal activity in view of the production environment. The strong involvement of the public authorities is therefore necessary to make milk production a sector of the economy, although production and marketing activities are currently impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.