Intensification as a Strategy to Promote Dairy Farming in Malawi

Abstract

Abstract The Malawi government’s strategy to enhance dairy productivity has focused on applying technological approaches to reinforce ecological (zero-grazing) and genetic (modern breeding technologies) intensification. Despite these concerted efforts, dairy productivity has faced enormous challenges. The objective of this chapter is to shed light on Malawi’s intensification strategies and the pivotal role played by producer groups in driving this process. A survey was conducted over the period 2016–2017, encompassing three distinct groups: cooperatives, conventional groups, and non-conventional groups. The existence of specialized structures for milk bulking and marketing indicates a coordinated effort in both milk production and market facilitation. Nevertheless, significant differences were observed among the groups concerning farmers’ access to inputs and veterinary services. The study suggests the need for intensification strategies to incorporate the unique characteristics of producer groups to allow for more targeted interventions, to ensure that resources are allocated effectively.