Shoats milk consumption and the associated factors in arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya, a case of Mwala sub county in Machakos County

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to access factors affecting goat and sheep milk consumption in the study area. A descriptive survey research design utilizing structured questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and case narratives was used to collect data. About 81.7% of the respondents in the study area had tested goat milk compared to only 5% for sheep milk. On consumption, 68.3% took goat milk while only 0.8% had consumed sheep milk. About 56% and 34% of goat milk consumed was in boiled and raw forms respectively. About 37% consumed goat milk daily while none consumed sheep milk daily. Strong smell (16.7%), scarcity (5.8%) and lack of interest (14.2%) were the main factors affecting goat milk consumption while unavailability (17%), lack of interest (78%) and religious beliefs (2%) affected sheep milk consumption in the study area. Overall goat milk was widely consumed than sheep milk.