Evolution of a milkshed and role of alternative milk collection centres in Egypt

Abstract

In Egypt, an agro-industrial company, in association with a non-governmental organization, began setting up milk collection centres within producers’ organizations in 2011. The project was very active in the Beni Suef Governorate. This article analyses the milkshed evolution over the past 50 years and the project impact. Using interviews and historical data, a diachronic analysis was performed. The evolution can be divided into four phases: before 1980, dairy products were primarily sold on the local market; from 1980 to 2000, a “milkshed centred” development drove the dairy sector; from 2000 to 2011, the sector was driven by the demand in Greater Cairo; and since 2011, the arrival of the agro-industry has introduced new dynamics in local milk collection. Locally, the development of collection centres led to a rise in milk prices and improvements to milk hygienic quality. Demographic and dietary changes have stimulated demand for dairy products. Liquid milk collection has developed since the liberalization of public policies and improved infrastructure. The agro-industry is struggling to penetrate the highly competitive local milk collection sector and the model’s future is uncertain.