Consumption Patterns and Preference of Milk and Milk Products among Rural and Urban Consumers in Semi-Arid Kenya

Abstract

Milk consumption in the semi-arid regions of Kenya is not well understood. A study was carried out on consumption of milk and milk products in the semi-arid region of eastern Kenya. A total of 135 rural and 126 urban households were interviewed. Raw milk was the most popular and was consumed by 99% and 84% of rural and urban households, respectively. Generally as degree of processing increased, the frequency of consumption declined from more than once per day to 1–2 times a week and eventually to occasionally. Richer households consumed significantly (p < .05) more milk and milk products than poor households. Raw milk was preferred over pasteurized, ultra high temperature treated, and powdered milk because it was cheaper and widely available. In order to improve consumption of different milk products, there is need to improve availability particularly in the rural areas.

Keywords:

• consumption level
• consumption frequency
• processed milk products
• raw milk
• level of income
• milk availability

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors are grateful to household members who participated in the study. Special thanks are due to the staff of Ministry of Livestock Development, Kangundo and Mwala districts, and the local provincial administrative officers for their support. Our gratitude is extended to the Director, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Centre Director, KARI-Katumani for the support. This study was funded by the European Union and KARI under the Kenya Arid and Semi-Arid Land Programme.