COUT DE PRODUCTION DU LITRE DE LAIT CRU EN FERME LAITIERE DANS LE BASSIN LAITIER DE NIAMEY

Background: Determining the economic outcome of local milk production in dairy farms in the Niamey basin is crucial for improving its price competitiveness. The objective of this work is to determine the production cost of one liter of raw milk on the farm according to the investments and husbandry practices that characterize it.

Methods: A survey was conducted on 10 dairy farms selected in a purposive manner. The data were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) followed by clustering (hierarchical cluster analysis, HCA). Then, using the cost summation method, general operating accounts were established by farm type.

Results:Three types of farms (Type I, Type II, Type III) were identified according to the cultivated area, number of workers, type of infrastructure implemented, cattle population, breeds raised, reproduction method, animals mobility, the practice of agriculture, and the production of fodder. The production costs are respectively 525 F.CFA, 293 F.CFA, and 257 F.CFA for an average cost of 359 F.CFA.

Conclusion: Raw milk production on farms is not profitable. However, farms that combine sedentary and mobile animal management with local breeds and lighter investments, particularly type III, have a lower production cost per liter of milk.