African Urban Development Studies (Interdisciplinary - | 25 March 2010
Solar Livestock Watering Systems and Milk Production in Rural Kenya: A Three-Year Analysis
M, u, g, a, b, i, M, w, a, k, i, s, e, m, a, ,, K, i, b, e, t, K, u, r, i, n, g, o, i
Abstract
Solar livestock watering systems have been introduced in rural Kenya to address water scarcity issues for livestock production. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with farmers and analysis of agricultural records from randomly selected villages in two counties of Kenya. A significant increase (30%) in milk yield was observed among farmers using solar livestock watering systems, correlating with improved hydration levels for cattle. The study confirms that the implementation of solar livestock watering systems has a positive effect on milk production and farmer income in rural Kenya. Farmers should be encouraged to adopt these systems, and government support should focus on providing subsidies and training for their installation.