Assessment of Dairy Production and Milk Supply Systems in the Peri-Urban Area of Bamako, Mali

Abstract

Milk production in the peri-urban areas of Bamako has grown significantly in recent years, driven by the emergence of numerous dairy farms and milk collection centers. Despite this progress, information on cattle production systems remains scarce and fragmented. This study analyzes the dairy sector and milk production systems in the peri-urban zones of Bamako by compiling data on herd management, feeding practices, milk yield, collection, distribution, and marketing. Data were collected from dairy farms and milk collection centers located within a 50 km radius along the five main national highways leading to Bamako (Sikasso, Segou, Kayes, Koulikoro, and Guinea–Conakry axis). Questionnaires were designed and deployed using KoboCollect, and information was gathered from participating farms and collection centers. Bamako–Segou axis recorded the highest production of farms with 939 tons, while the Bamako–Kayes axis reported the lowest volume, with 151 tons. Regarding dairy farms, data on cattle herd sizes and feeding practices were collected. A total of 380 dairy farms were identified, of which 211 responded to the questionnaire. The Bamako–Segou and Bamako–Guinea axis accounted for the highest numbers of respondents, with 131 and 123 farms, respectively. Furthermore, a total of 16 milk collection centers were identified in the peri-urban area of Bamako, including five located along the Sikasso axis, five along the Segou axis, three along the Guinea axis, two along the Kayes axis, and one along the Koulikoro axis. Collectively, these centers handle an annual milk collection volume of 3,495 tons.