Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to assess the raw milk supply change challenges in Meru District. The study
used the cross-sectional research design. Both qualitative and quantitative approach was used in this
study. The targeted population included producers of raw milk, Ward Executive Officers and Wards
Agricultural Officers from Bangata and Ilkiding'a wards in Meru District. A total of 68 respondents were
involved in this study. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and content analysis. Findings
indicated that storage affected milk distribution, affects quality of milk, brings trouble with handling fresh
supply chain, reduce the number of supplies, and affects quantity of milk. The findings further indicated that
transport affects the fast distribution of milk, the quality of fresh milk due to delays, affect the quantity of
fresh milk in consumer centers, increases transportation costs of fresh milk in supply chain and causes loss
to the farmers and suppliers. Finally, the study found that the following solutions may solve challenges of
supply chain of raw milk including; enhancing farmers’ awareness on modern storage techniques,
improving raw milk storage facilities, implementing strict quality control of distribution of raw milk and
empowering small farmers with modern storage facilities. It was recommended that the government
through the Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO) should assist the raw milk producer in
provision of milk storage facilities to reduce loss resulting from poor storage. The study further
recommended that policy makers should enact policies that gives milk producers an opportunity to take
loans in micro finance institutions. Through loans, they will be able to improve their storage facilities. The
recommendation was made that the government should improve the infrastructures in Meru District
especially in areas where raw milk is highly produced. This will facilitate easy transport of raw milk from
production centers. The study further recommended that milk processing industries should be built in Meru
District especially where raw milk is highly produced. This will reduce the distance between production
centers and an industry
