Viability of smallholder dairy cattle management and its intensification strategies based on whole-farm analyses in southern Mozambique

Abstract

This study uses questionnaire survey data to assess the viability of dairying among smallholders in southern Mozambique by diagnosing the feed, health, reproductive management practices, and cost performance of farmers who received Jersey cattle as part of a special dairy development program. The study also explores intensification strategies and their economic impact using whole-farm analysis, for which detailed information on all crop and dairy activities, and the feedstuffs being used, was gathered based on systematic farm-based record keeping, along with chemical analyses of feed samples. Results indicate that the smallholders increasingly discontinued milk production due to unsuccessful disease control and breeding. While short-term benefits were derived from low-cost dairy activities, the associated flaws in feeding, housing, and health care undermined cow fertility, productivity, reproductive performance, and survivability, which, in turn, precluded any long-term benefits. Our whole-farm analysis revealed that when the dairy herd is restructured and cropping patterns are optimized, the smallholders are able to meet household food demands and the nutritional requirements of the animals, continued lactation, and increased income. Farm-based milk processing can further upshift income levels. Along with upgraded feeding, housing, health, and marketing systems, appropriate breeding programs offer an enabling environment for dairy herd expansion and intensification to help smallholders secure food and enhance their economic well-being.