The fat and the lean: Review of production and use of milk by pastoralists

This review examines the role of animal milk in pastoral economies and diets. It then considers project interventions that have sought to increase the supply or commercial value of milk from animals in pastoralist regions. The degree to which pastoralists' diets depend on milk to meet nutritional requirements, either by direct consumption or through exchange for grains, varies across climatic zones and according to animal species, techniques for preservation, market access, and wealth status. The bulk of detailed studies on pastoral milk production, diet and sales are from Eastern Africa. Reference is also made to other pastoral regions of the world where information is available.

K. Stadler et al - July 2010