ABSTRACT

 The study examined the analysis of investment behaviour among smallholder pig farmers in Abia State. Specifically the focus was to analyze the socio- economic profile of farmers, determining production trends between 2002-2007; estimating determinants of investment and identifying and analysing constraints to pig production in the area. A total of 120 farmers were purposively selected using a well structured questionnaire, information sought were on the socio economic characteristics and other quantitative variables of interest. Descriptive statistical tools such as percentages, mean, frequencies, were used to analyse the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents while multiple regression and trend analysis were used for estimating the determinants of investment and level of production of the farmer in the study area respectively. The result of the analysis revealed that pig farming in Abia State predominantly practised by literate male farmers. However the inadequacy of funds and diseases resulting to high mortality rate were the major problems of the farms while! age, interest rate, farm profit, farm expenses, farm income and depreciation were significant variables and as such influence investment in the study area. It was recommended that government should adjust their monitory policy to bring about reduction in interest rate so that farmers can have access to loan at cheaper and affordable rate.