Traditional Milking Hygiene Practices and their Effect on Raw Milk Quality of Rural Small-Scale Dairy Farmers in Kwa-Hlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

This study examines the impact of traditional hygienic milking practices employed by rural small-scale dairy farmers on quality raw milk. While advancements in technology have revolutionized milk production methods for both small- and large-scale farmers, producers, particularly countries like Zimbabwe, continue to rely heavily hand as their primary method harvesting. To investigate this issue, a convergent parallel mixed research approach was utilized, involving face-to-face interviews with 53 selected using structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed descriptive, frequency, chi-square, cross-tabulation analyses. findings revealed that participants aged 50 above constituted majority (58.5%) more likely report low income. Additionally, households 8 11 members (38%) those no formal education (18.9%) also Several parameters identified significantly affecting (p < 0.05), including washing after milking, back leg tying, utensils, use towels, teat dipping, when sick, covering milk, mixing fresh old lack pasteurization before consumption. concludes hygiene contribute contamination compromising support these interventions such provision extension officer, practical workshops, incentives, entrepreneurial skills training, farmer-to-farmer visits are recommended.