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Can Small-Scale Dairy Farm Profitability Increase with the Use of Solar Energy Technology? An Experimental Study in Central Tunisia

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  • Meriem Zlaoui

    (National Institute of Agricultural Research of Tunisia (INRAT), University of Carthage, Tunis 2049, Tunisia)

  • Mohamed Zied Dhraief

    (National Institute of Agricultural Research of Tunisia (INRAT), University of Carthage, Tunis 2049, Tunisia)

  • Muhi El-Dine Hilali

    (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Tunis 2049, Tunisia)

  • Boubaker Dhehibi

    (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Tunis 2049, Tunisia)

  • Mondher Ben Salem

    (National Institute of Agricultural Research of Tunisia (INRAT), University of Carthage, Tunis 2049, Tunisia)

  • Oussama Jebali

    (National Institute of Agricultural Research of Tunisia (INRAT), University of Carthage, Tunis 2049, Tunisia)

  • Mourad Rekik

    (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Tunis 2049, Tunisia)

Abstract

The dairy sector in Tunisia is based on small-scale farms, with 81% of the breeders owning less than five cows. On these farms, milk is stored in plastic containers, resulting in post-production losses estimated at 10% in the studied region. Due to high temperatures, the present paper aims to study the implementation of an innovative solar-powered milk cooling system in Central Tunisia and assess its profitability for dairy farmers. The methodology is based on a comparison of three small-scale farm business models: a farm without any milk cooling equipment, a farm using an innovative milk cooling technology, and a farm using an electrical cooling tank. Results showed the significance of milk cooling in reducing milk rejection to 0%, leading to a total production of 6400 L per cow by the fifth year. Additionally, milk sales were found to increase due to the premium of 0.010 TND/L for cooled milk paid. In addition, farms utilizing solar-powered milk cooling technology exhibited superior profitability in terms of financial indicators. This research offers a sustainable energy solution for milk cooling on small farms, specifically addressing the challenges faced by these farms located in isolated areas where access to electricity is limited and the availability of milk cooling equipment is lacking.

Suggested Citation

  • Meriem Zlaoui & Mohamed Zied Dhraief & Muhi El-Dine Hilali & Boubaker Dhehibi & Mondher Ben Salem & Oussama Jebali & Mourad Rekik, 2023. "Can Small-Scale Dairy Farm Profitability Increase with the Use of Solar Energy Technology? An Experimental Study in Central Tunisia," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-21, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:13:p:4925-:d:1178399
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Meriem Zlaoui & Mohamed Zied Dhraief & Boubaker Dhehibi & Mourad Rekik, 2021. "Tunisian Consumer Quality Perception and Preferences for Dairy Products: Do Health and Sustainability Matter?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-17, September.
    2. Salvatierra Rojas, Ana & Torres Toledo, Victor & Mrabet, Farah & Müller, Joachim, 2018. "Improving milk value chains through solar milk cooling," Working Papers 276621, University of Bonn, Center for Development Research (ZEF).
    3. Chauhan, Anurag & Saini, R.P., 2016. "Techno-economic feasibility study on Integrated Renewable Energy System for an isolated community of India," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 388-405.
    4. Cherif, Adnene & Dhouib, Ahmed, 2002. "Dynamic modelling and simulation of a photovoltaic refrigeration plant," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 26(1), pages 143-153.
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    Cited by:

    1. Oratilwe Penwell Mokoena & Thembelihle Sam Ntuli & Tshepo Ramarumo & Solly Matshonisa Seeletse, 2023. "Sustainability of Rural Small-Scale Farmers Using a Thematic Content-Fed Analytic Hierarchy Process," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-22, August.
    2. Ahmad Bathaei & Dalia Štreimikienė, 2023. "Renewable Energy and Sustainable Agriculture: Review of Indicators," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-24, September.

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