Influence of Access to Extension Services on Milk Productivity Among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Njoro Sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya

Agricultural extension services play a critical role in information dissemination that can enhance milk productivity and subsequently increase incomes of smallholder dairy farmers. However, access to extension services remains a major challenge especially in developing countries. This study examined the current status of extension service delivery from various sources for smallholder dairy farmers in Njoro Sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya. Access to extension services was measured in terms of frequency of access to extension services from various sources, frequency of contact between extension officers and smallholder dairy farmers, access information on various dairy production areas, frequency of application of information on various dairy production areas, and frequency of access to veterinary services from various institutions. The study was conducted in April 2022 in Njoro Sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya. The study’s target and accessible populations were 17,000 and 3,258 smallholder dairy farmers respectively. Simple random and proportionate sampling techniques were used in selecting farmers for the study. A sample size of 120 farmers was generated using Nassiuma’s formula. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires. Observation schedules and key informant interviews were used for triangulation. Both descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential (simple linear regression) statistics were used in data analysis. The results revealed farmers’ preference towards media (television) in accessing agricultural extension services compared with other sources. The findings will inform agricultural extension policy makers and other relevant stakeholders in The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries both at the National and County levels in addressing major bottlenecks in extension service delivery to smallholder dairy farmers.