Milk quality and hygiene: Knowledge, attitudes and practices of smallholder dairy farmers in central Kenya

Milk production is an important livelihood source for smallholder dairy farmers in low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Kenya. However, milk quality and safety are a challenge due to unhygienic handling non-adherence food standards. The objective of this study was investigate the knowledge, attitudes adoption practices by Ten Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), involving 71 farmers, were held collect qualitative data on (KAPs) Laikipia, Nakuru, Nyandarua counties. Additionally, collected through cross-sectional administered 652 farming households. results revealed low knowledge level negative towards respecting antibiotics treatment withdrawal periods, standards regulations. Farmers stated they had received levels training majority adopted animal health measures hygienic hand washing udder cleaning. milking environments, use plastic containers, untreated water, lack teat dipping compromised safety. Currently, production, consumption could expose actors along value chain risks. influenced farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics, choice marketing channel. There need improve implement control, disease control antibiotic residue process meet required Awareness campaigns programmes foster behavioural change lead improvement • Kenya sector constrained farmers' adherence Lack hinders compliance with Poor farm-level hygiene compromises Socioeconomic characteristics determine compliance.