An Analysis of Camel and Cow Milk Marketing Chain amongst Pastorals and Agro-Pastorals in Gursum and Babile Districts, Ethiopia

Abstract

The Ethiopia pastoral and agro-pastoralists’ are blessed with immense and untapped livestock and livestock product which is the main stay and milk blood. Thought, they are not economically benefited out of it in the extent at which ought to be as a result of less access to basic services provided by the government as compared to the high land, as a result of this highest incidence of poverty and drought is a common phenomenon in pastoral and agro-pastoralists’ areas of Ethiopia.  Hence, this study is initiated to provide vital and valid information on the operation of milk marketing system for effective policy formulation by analyzing the milk market chain in Easter part of Ethiopia. To analyze the major camel and cow milk market channels, the role and linkages of marketing agent’s the study used Structural Conduct and Performance (S-C-P) framework and commodity approach. The study found that, there is poor provision of public services by the government and the milk marketing system was found to be predominantly traditional and fragmented. Although, the milk market for both camel and cow was found to be strongly oligopolistic. Therefore, there is a need to link milk marketing agents through development of institutional arrangement such as dairy cooperatives, traders unions and contract; the government should also due attention to develop infrastructure specially the telecommunication, road, electric power and should integrating cross-bred cows as there was no exotic cross breeds in the herds surveyed; governmental and non-governmental actions are also required to license and inspect milk traders and producers to ensure achievement of minimum hygiene and quality standards;  and there is also a need for development of processing facilities that would produce storable dairy products such as milk powders or hard cheese as adding value increase the profitability of the enterprise.

Keywords: Marketing agent, Structural Conduct and Performance(S-C-P) framework and Milk