Role of Gender in Dairy Cattle Management, Milk Production and Microbial Quality, Among Smallholder Farms in Shashemene, Hawassa, and Yirgalem districts, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study explores the role of gender in dairy cattle management, milk production, microbial quality, and value addition among smallholder farms in the Shashemene, Hawassa, and Yirgalem districts, Ethiopia. Data were collected from 150 households, where half of the farms had women-led and the other half had male-led farm management. In addition, 80 raw milk samples were analyzed for microbial quality, focusing on Total Plate Count (TPC), coliform counts (CC), and Escherichia coli (E. coli) using standard microbiological methods. Small-scale farms dominated (69.4%), with male-led farm management households accounting for 72.2%. Female-led farm management households managed smaller herds (mean 2.7 cows) and produced less milk daily (mean 6.2 liters) than male-led farm management (mean herd size 4.3 cows; mean milk production 9.5 liters). Observational results showed significant gender differences in 8 of 14 management practices (p < 0.05), with Female-led farm management excelling in milking hygiene, milk storage, feed management, and processing despite facing 1.8 times more equipment access challenges. Milk from women-led farms had better microbial quality; Total Plate Count (TPC) was significantly lower (mean log₁₀ CFU/mL 4.2) than male-led farm management (mean 5.1), confirmed by chi-square tests (p < 0.001). Logistic regression indicates gender, education, and location as significant predictors of processing engagement (all p < 0.05). Female-led farm management was 2.1 times more likely to practice hygiene, and higher education increased modern technique adoption by 2.3 times. These findings highlight women's often-overlooked role in ensuring milk quality and safety and maintaining high standards in dairy production, even under constrained conditions. The study concludes that supporting women through targeted training, improved infrastructure, and access to veterinary services could lead to better milk quality and more equitable outcomes in the dairy sector. These insights provide important guidance for inclusive agricultural development policies and strengthen the case for investing in gender-responsive approaches to enhance Ethiopia’s smallholder dairy value chain