A Program Evaluation of a Rwandan Milk Collection Center
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.
Citation
Balinas, Melanie Elizabeth (2014). A Program Evaluation of a Rwandan Milk Collection Center. Master's thesis, Texas A & M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /152460.