Abstract:
The dairy sector plays a
significant role in rural economies by generating income,
enhancing food security, and supporting household
livelihoods. This study analyzes the dairy milk supply chain
and examines its economic impact on household livelihoods in
Paghman District, Afghanistan. The research focuses on key
actors involved in the supply chain, including dairy farmers,
collectors, transporters, processors, and retailers, and
evaluates how value addition and market linkages influence
household income and economic stability. Using a
mixed-methods approach, primary data were collected through
structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with
dairy-producing households and supply chain stakeholders,
complemented by secondary data from relevant reports and
literature. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive
and inferential statistical techniques, while qualitative
data provided contextual insights into operational challenges
and opportunities. The findings indicate that dairy milk
production contributes significantly to household income,
employment generation, and livelihood resilience; however,
inefficiencies in transportation, limited access to cold
storage, price fluctuations, and weak market coordination
reduce potential economic benefits. The study concludes that
strengthening supply chain integration, improving
infrastructure, and enhancing institutional support can
increase the economic returns of dairy farming and improve
household livelihoods in the study area. The results offer
practical implications for policymakers, development
organizations, and agribusiness stakeholders aiming to
promote sustainable dairy value chains in rural Afghanistan.
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