The contribution of dairy cattle to poverty reduction in Igunga district of Tabora region

This study was conducted to evaluate the contribution of dairy cattle to poverty reduction in Igunga District of Tabora region. The study focused on exploring milk marketing, determining dairy cattle performance, assessing different sources of income and assessing dairy-crop integration. Primary data were collected using a semi structured interviewing schedule from 51 dairy cattle owners, and 53 farmers without dairy cattle. The study was carried out using a cross sectional research design approach. Statistical package for social science (SPSS) computer software was used to analyze the data. The major occupation of respondents was farming, although some practiced petty trading and a few were civil servants. Dairying was practiced but not as the major economic activity. The mean income after joining dairy activities was found to be more than four times (Tshs 2 941 955/=) than the mean income before they practiced dairying (Tshs 629 959/=). A t-test computed revealed statistically significant difference between those incomes (t = 1.936; p< 0.05). Farmers saved an amount ranging from Tshs 168 000/= to Tshs 420 000/= used for buying mineral fertilizers through using cattle manure. Crop residues were used to feed dairy cattle. Lactation lengths were significantly correlated (r = 0.385; p < 0.05) with the amount of milk produced in a lactation. Major constraints encountered in dairy project in the study area included lack of enough pastures, drugs, water and animal diseases whereby 41 animals died and lack of reliable markets for their milk. The multiple correlation (R = 0.861) computed had shown that dairy farming was profitable and had contribution in increasing household income. For efficient breeding and improved dairy cattle production, dairy farmers in Igunga district should be educated to adhere to the principles of dairy cattle managements so as to benefit from the project. This study has indeed shown that dairy cattle enterprises had contribution to poverty reduction through income obtained, milk consumed and increased crop yield after using cattle manure