Survey of postharvest handling, preservation and processing practices along the camel milk chain in Isiolo District, Kenya.

摘要: Despite the important contribution of camel milk to food security for pastoralists in Kenya, little is known about postharvest handling, preservation and processing practices. In this study, existing practices by Isiolo, Kenya were assessed through crosssectional survey focus group discussions. A total 167 producer households, 50 primary secondary traders interviewed. Survey findings showed that milking was predominantly handled herds-boys (45.0%) or male household heads (23.8%) occasionally spouses (16.6%), sons (13.9%) daughters (0.7%). The main types containers used both producers handle plastic jerricans (recycled cooking oil containers), because they cheap, light better suited transport vehicles. Milk preserve women, with fresh spontaneously fermented (suusa) being products. Fresh preserved smoking boiling. Smoking predominant practice, extending shelf life also imparting a distinct smoky flavour milk. fumigated smoke from burned wood specific tree species such as Olea africana, Acacia nilotica, Balanities aegyptica Combretum spp. Boiling practised at collection points during times when market unavailable. spoilage point Kulamawe aggravated lack cooling facilities. At Isiolo town, refrigerated overnight before onward transmission Nairobi. mean quantity traded 83.2±3.8 litres. problems experienced included (43.0% respondents), delayed payments—after one two days (19.9%), loss money due informal courier (12.2%), low prices (10.9%), rejection customers Nairobi (7.1%), inadequate supply dry season (3.5%), bursting (2.1%) not supplied insecurity (1.3%). In-depth understanding would help devise appropriate strategies increase improve quality marketed Such should include improvement infrastructure transport, collection, facilities suitable capacity.