Balinas, Melanie Elizabeth (2014-05). A Program Evaluation of a Rwandan Milk Collection Center. Master's Thesis. Thesis uri icon

abstract

  • The purpose of this descriptive, correlational study was to evaluate dairy
    farmers' adoption characteristics and use of a Milk Collection Center (MCC) in the
    Western province of Rwanda. A snowball sampling method was used to identify
    participants (N = 53). Farmers answered a research instrument related to their use and
    perception of the MCC and potential price points for educational services including,
    artificial insemination training, mastitis treatments, vaccinations at the MCC, training in
    milking techniques, on-site veterinarian services, and milk quality testing.

    The study showed that Rwandan dairy farmers had agreeable attitudes toward the
    Gisenyi MCC and were influenced by distance to MCC, access to credit, and low cost of
    technologies. No significant relationships existed between farmers' adopter categories
    (early vs. late) and their overall attitude toward the MCC. However, relationships existed
    between individual adopter characteristics and overall attitude toward the MCC. Farmers
    were willing to pay for certain educational services, such as artificial insemination
    training and mastitis treatments. Vaccinations at the MCC and artificial insemination
    training were farmers' highest valued services. Positive relationships existed between
    price points and importance of educational services.

    The MCCs must appeal to their target client, the dairy farmer, and listen to their
    wants and needs to be successful and have an impact. By drawing attention to the
    positive attributes of the MCC, participation increases amongst the farmers wouldbenefit the MCC and the Rwandan dairy market, in addition to helping dairy farmers have a more stable market to sell their product and receive the assistance needed.

publication date

  • May 2014