A qualitative exploration of fermented milk processing traditionally practiced by the pokot ethnic group of Karamoja in Uganda
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Date
2026-07-10
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Traditional food processing methods have the potential to combat malnutrition while providing sustainable livelihoods in communities such as the Karamojong devasted by a high burden of malnutrition and associated health consequences. The purpose of the current study was to document the traditional milk processing among the Pokot community in Karamoja subregion of Uganda, specifically focusing on the sour milk.
A qualitative study involving five key informants and 46 Focus Group Discussion (FGD) participants was employed. We found that traditional knowledge of fermenting milk is passed by the older women to younger generations while in their childhood. We also observed that the Pokot ethnic community used burnt plant parts for treating fermentation vessels. Calabash or gourds were the most common fermentation vessels though some households used plastic jerricans as fermentation vessels.
A traditionally fermented milk locally known as lolon, follows seven key steps: cleaning of the gourds, milking, sieving, boiling, defatting, fermentation, and draining. Our study demonstrates that milk processing by traditional methods by the Pokot ethnic community is culturally entrenched, initiated when the women are at a young age. Cultural identity associated with the milk processing among the Pokot reinforces food systems, therefore, we recommend the need for further empirical research beyond the current exploration such as innovations for improving and optimizing the process steps to improve food security and nutrition among the Pokot community in Karamoja subregion.
Description
Keywords
Fermented milk, Traditional knowledge, Traditional foods, Pokot community, Pastoralism, Karamoja subregion, Uganda
Citation
Owiny, E., Oyet, S. M., Chemutai, D., Kitambo, E., Muggaga, C., & RIP, U. I. O. (2026). A Qualitative Exploration of Fermented Milk Processing Traditionally Practiced by The Pokot Ethnic Group of Karamoja in Uganda. Fermented Foods, 100016.