Dairy marketing in Ethiopia : markets of first sale and producers" marketing patterns

Specifically, the markets of first sale used by dairy producers were identified and the marketing patterns of three categories of dairy producers (intra-urban, peri-urban, and peasant) were investigated. The study was carried out on a sample of 173 dairy producers between 2/86 - 7/86, using structured questionnaires. Fresh-milk sales averaged between 0.5 and 6 litres per lactating cow per day, with intra-urban and peri-urban producers specializing in fresh milk sales. Most of the fresh milk was sold to catering and government institutions in Addis Ababa, from which net profits of EB 0.63 and EB 0.66/liter, respectively, were obtained. Peasant producers sold milk, butter and cheese, as specialized enterprises or in combination. Those peasant producers located near to a Dairy Development Enterprise milk collection center sold more milk and less butter and cheese than those far away. High net profits was identified as an important motive guiding the choice of sales outlet. (Author abstract)