Milk and the city : raw milk challenging the value claims of value chains

Abstract

This article assesses two models of dairy production and distribution to the large city of Dar es Salaam. One is urban and peri-urban raw milk production through territorial markets and the symbiotic food system and the other a dairy value chain intervention. The raw milk system is remarkably resilient and gives lower prices to milk drinkers and better returns to small-scale farmers. The value chain intervention provides opportunities for some dairy farmers but can’t compete and favors corporate entities less aligned with most farmers’ and city residents’ interests. Policy maker’s preference for value chain interventions appears to be ideological as it is not justified by the outcomes, but support for alternatives is growing and needs to be built on.