Diverse strategies of urban dairy intensification: insights from multivariate typology analysis

Introduction Urban dairy systems are increasingly significant for sub-Saharan Africa’s food and nutritional security, yet remain under-characterized in terms of production diversity and intensification pathways. This study develops a context-specific typology of urban dairy producers to understand heterogeneity within these systems better. Methods A structured survey of 304 urban dairy farmers was conducted across Nairobi. Data covered six domains: feeding strategies, breed diversity, farm structural characteristics, genetic improvement and biosecurity practices, technology use and market orientation, and extension support services. Factor Analysis for Mixed Data (FAMD) was applied to reduce mixed variables into principal components, followed by Hierarchical Clustering on Principal Components (HCPC) to develop distinct clusters. Results Three statistically distinct clusters emerged (1) Intensive Weak Market Integrated Systems were characterized by exotic breeds, use of commercial feeds, zero-grazing systems, and limited engagement in formal milk markets. (2) Semi-intensive ICT-enabled market-integrated systems, exhibited moderate input use, improved breeds, and the highest digital integration and the strongest participation in formal milk marketing channels. (3) Extensive Urban Dairy Farming Systems consisted of larger indigenous herds, low input use, open grazing and minimal access to extension services. Discussion Results reveal diverse and non-linear intensification pathways whereby having improved breeds and increased investment in input use does not directly translate into formal market involvement. These findings emphasize the need for typology-based interventions tailored to the distinct characteristics and constraints of each cluster. This is important in enhancing the effectiveness of urban dairy development programs while promoting climate resilience, sustainability, and food security within rapidly urbanizing dairy value chains.