Work

Linking dairy intensification pathways to farm sustainability: A systems-based assessment in an urban African context

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Context Urban dairy production systems in developing countries play a crucial role in enhancing food security. However, they operate under significant constraints of land scarcity and market inefficiencies. This has led to a transition towards dairy-intensive production systems. These systems mainly focus on High Input Production (HIP) and Market Digital Integration (MDI) strategies. However, the empirical evidence of the impact of these strategies on a holistic sustainability index remains poorly quantified and limited. Objective The aim was to assess the frequency of practicing these strategies and quantify the causal impact of practicing HIP and MDI intensification strategies individually or in combination on a holistic Sustainability Index (SI). Methods The study used cross-sectional data from 304 urban dairy farmers in Nairobi, Kenya. Using Factor Analysis (FA), data on sustainability indicators were normalized, weighted, and aggregated to generate a composite sustainability index as well as the dimensional sub-indices. The Multivariate Endogenous Treatment Effects Model (METEM) was employed to estimate the impact of intensification on a calculated sustainability index. Results and conclusions Results reveal urban dairy farmers are highly educated and experienced, operating on an average of 1.7 acres of land. The frequency of practicing these strategies were uneven, with HIP being the most common (71%), followed by the combined strategy (10%), and MDI being the least common (6%). Output from METEM shows that the HIP, combined strategy, and MDI strategy significantly enhanced the sustainability index by 51%, 54%, and 8%, respectively. The modest magnitude of the complementarity gains from the combined strategy compared to HIP suggests that realizing the full complementary potential of combined adoption remains constrained by managerial complexities for farmers operating under limited extension support. Significance Evidence from this study strongly supports the need for targeted support programs that not only promote the practice of these intensification strategies but also provide the crucial targeted extension and advisory support required for optimized combined use, leading to more productive and sustainable urban dairy systems.

Source: Agricultural Systems

DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104955

Authors: Jane Kahwai, John Mburu, Sandra Transchel, X.N. Iraki

Institutions: University of Nairobi, Kühne Logistics University

Language: English

Topic: Sustainable Agricultural Systems Analysis

Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action, Responsible consumption and production, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,000