Technological Determinants of Dairy Cow Milk Production Among Small-Scale Farmers in Marakwet East Sub-County, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya

Small-scale dairy farming plays a critical role in food security, rural livelihoods, and nutritional improvement in many developing economies. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, the dairy sector is predominantly smallholder-based; however, productivity remains persistently low due to limited adoption of modern dairy production technologies and inadequate access to support services. In Marakwet East Sub-County, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, small-scale dairy farmers continue to experience low milk yields per cow and per household, threatening household incomes, food security, and the sustainability of the local dairy value chain. Identifying context-specific technological constraints is therefore essential for designing effective policy and extension interventions. This study examined the technological factors influencing dairy cow milk production among 196 small-scale dairy farmers in Marakwet East Sub-County. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, and primary data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to farm households. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to assess the level of adoption of dairy production technologies and multiple linear regression to estimate the effects of selected technological variables on milk production. The results revealed generally low adoption of key dairy technologies. Only 42.9% of farmers used artificial insemination, 28% accessed deworming services, 26% accessed vaccination services, 17.3% adopted high-yielding fodder and pasture, and 21.4% kept improved dairy breeds. Average annual milk production per household was 2,925 liters, while average milk production per cow was 975 liters per year, equivalent to 4.5 liters per cow per day, values that are substantially below the national benchmark of approximately 10 liters per cow per day. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that use of artificial insemination, access to deworming services, adoption of high-yielding fodder and pasture, access to improved feeds such as hay and silage, and adoption of improved dairy breeds had positive and statistically significant effects on milk production. Other technologies, including mechanized milking, milk cooling facilities, and digital platforms, did not show significant effects, largely due to their very low adoption levels among farmers. The findings demonstrate that technological adoption is a critical determinant of milk productivity among small-scale dairy farmers. Addressing existing technological gaps through affordable breeding services, improved animal health management, enhanced feed systems, and strengthened extension support is essential for increasing milk production, improving household incomes, and contributing to Kenya’s broader food security and agricultural transformation goals.