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Characterization and Determinants of Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Rwanda

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  • Shema Gatoni Innocent

    (Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya)

  • Geoffrey Ochieng Otieno

    (Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya)

  • Richard Wamalwa Wanzala

    (Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya)

Abstract

Dairy farming enhances food security and drives economic growth in Rwanda. While existing literature on dairy farming has primarily examined its production factors and the challenges associated with it, there is a gap in the literature in understanding the characteristics of dairy farmers and the factors that determine dairy farming in Nyabihu District. Using cross section data of 205 dairy farmers in Nyabihu District, Rwanda, we employed Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis to characterize dairy farmers and identify determinants of dairy farming. Results show that dairy farmers are grouped in two clusters low resource endowed and low production and high resource endowed and high production categories. Clusters of dairy farmers are shaped by experience in dairying, age, monthly farming cost, milk produced per month, Herd size, Land size, and the number of dairy trainings received. The study suggests the need to train best practices in dairy farming to increase their efficiency and returns. Through training, well informed farmers make better decisions along all factors of production. Also, more investment in herd management and farm land allocation potentially increases productivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Shema Gatoni Innocent & Geoffrey Ochieng Otieno & Richard Wamalwa Wanzala, 2025. "Characterization and Determinants of Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Rwanda," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(3), pages 2644-2653, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-3:p:2644-2653
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Oke, Folasade O. & Olorunsogo, Gaius O. & Akerele, Dare, 2021. "Impact of information communication technology (ICT) and mass media usage on technical efficiency of fish farming in Ogun state, Nigeria," Journal of Agribusiness and Rural Development, University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland, vol. 60(2), February.
    2. Lamek Nahayo & Christophe Mupenzi & Alphonse Kayiranga & Fidele Karamage & Felix Ndayisaba & Enan Muhire Nyesheja & Lanhai Li, 2017. "Early alert and community involvement: approach for disaster risk reduction in Rwanda," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 86(2), pages 505-517, March.
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