Abstract
Background: Mastitis remains a major constraint to dairy productivity and food safety in smallholder systems, yet community-based control programs have shown variable adoption and impact. Understanding the determinants and outcomes of these programs is critical for designing effective interventions.Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted in two districts of Ethiopia, combining a cross-sectional survey of 320 smallholder dairy farmers, focus group discussions, and clinical examination of 1,280 lactating cows. Adoption of recommended mastitis control practices (hygiene, dry cow therapy, culling) was measured, and milk yield, somatic cell count (SCC), and clinical mastitis incidence were assessed. Multivariate regression and propensity score matching were used to evaluate impact.Results: Adoption rates varied: 62% practiced udder hygiene, 28% used dry cow therapy, and 11% culled chronically infected cows. Farmers with better access to extension, credit, and market participation were more likely to adopt. Adopting households had 0.8 L/cow/day higher milk yield (pConclusions: Community-based mastitis control programs can improve dairy productivity and milk quality, but adoption is constrained by socio-economic and institutional factors. Targeting subsidies, training, and strengthening veterinary services could enhance uptake and impact. The findings underscore the need for context-specific, participatory approaches to disease control in smallholder systems.