Abstract:
A survey study was carried out with the specific objective of comparing the seasonal milk yield fluctuations and its
economic effect among small holder dairy farmers in the Southern Province of Zambia. Secondary data were obtained
from seven (7) small holder dairy bulking centers (Monze, Magoye, Silwiili, Batoka, Kalomo, Zimba and Kanchomba)
which were purposively selected. The results of the study indicated that small holder dairy farmers produce a total of
228,077.23litres of milk during the rainy season and 149,497.96 litres of milk during the dry season giving average
monthly milk yields of 38,012.87litres and 24,916.33litres respectively. Results of the study indicated that the average
monthly milk yields (121 ltrs ±25.2 and 244 ltrs ± 25.2 for dry and wet seasons respectively) differed significantly
(p<0.05) among the seven (7) milk bulking centers in Southern Zambia.
