Feed resources, feeding practices, and milk production at smallholder dairy farms in East African countries: A systematic review

• Natural grasses and forbs are the most common feed resource used in smallholder dairy farms • Most local feeds have low protein and high fibre, limiting production • Improved feeding boosts milk yield, but adoption remains low • Feeding practices are key to milk production and farmer livelihoods Animal-source foods (ASF), such as milk, are crucial for improving human health, notably among children. However, many smallholder dairy farmers struggle to produce enough milk to meet household demands, prompting them to implement various dairy management strategies aimed at increasing milk production. This article aimed to review studies on the nutritional quality of locally available feeds resources, feeding practices, and their impact on milk yield at smallholder dairy farms. Through a systematic literature review, 35 papers were selected and categorised into three groups: studies on nutritional quality of feed resources (N=13), feeding practices (N=10), and improved feeding practices with intervention trials (N=12). Aside from the agro-industrial by-products and fodder trees, most of the available feed resources had a very low nutritional quality characterised by low crude protein and high fibre contents. In East Africa, dairy cattle managed under traditional feeding practices produce low milk yields compared to those under improved feeding practices, due to reliance on low-quality feeds with minimal or no dietary supplementation. Despite the clear benefits of improved feeding systems, their adoption among smallholder dairy farmers remains limited, hindered by challenges such as restricted access to quality feeds and insufficient knowledge and awareness. The findings underscore the critical role of feeding practices in overcoming productivity constraints and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods.