Assessment of Milk Quality, Safety and Marketing in Addis Ababa

This report presents a multi-dimensional assessment of dairy farm operations, milk collection and distribution infrastructure, and retail-level sales practices across Addis Ababa. The study covered 73 dairy farms, 130 dairy product shop, and 46 retailers. It revealed considerable variation in hygiene standards, infrastructure quality, market behavior, and consumer safety compliance. While there is a clear awareness among actors of the importance of milk hygiene and handling, actual practices fall short due to limited access to equipment, lack of regulatory oversight, and insufficient training. At every level of the dairy value chain from cow care to end-user sales practices are predominantly informal, under-resourced, and pose public health and product integrity risks. The findings underscore the need for structured regulation, systematic inspections, and investment in infrastructure to transform the city's milk sector into a modern, safe, and efficient system.