ABSTRACT

The study was carried out in South east Nigeria. The broad objective was to analyze the utilization of improved small ruminant production technologies among farmers in the study area. A multi-stage, Purposive, Simple random sampling techniques were deployed in sampling 240 respondents and data generated with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire and Focused Group Discussion. Both descriptive and inferential statistics such as Percentages, Mean Score, ANOVA and Ordinary least square regression model were used in analysis. Result showed that the mean age of farmers was 42.4 and majority (99%) kept the animals for Savings. A larger proportion (58.4%) had no contact with extension. The mean flock size of 13.89 for sheep and 7.12 for goats was recorded. Majority (64.8%) used the Semi-Intensive management system, spent a mean amount of N16, 937.00 on feeds and N3,243.00 on medication per month, realizing a mean income of N285,900 per annum from sales. Only hot weather condition with a mean score of 2.87 had a positive effect on small ruminant production. The extent of utilization of the technologies was high with a grand mean of 2.31. However, four out of the twelve technologies studied were infrequently utilized with mean scores below the cut point of 2.05, and they are; periodic deworming, controlled mating, routine vaccination, and animal sanitation. Poor extension services, High Cost of foundation Stock, Difficulty in sourcing feeds, theft of the animals, and High cost of drugs/vaccines with mean scores ranging from 2.1 to 2.6 were severe constraints to small ruminant production. The ANOVA result with an F-value of 2.389 was not statistically significant at P<0.05 and also lower than the tabulated value of F (2.90) implying that respondents did not differ in the use of the technologies. At P<0.05, Cost effectiveness (1.997), Environmental friendliness (2.374), Time saving (-7.984), Simple to practice (-3.405), Similar to local practice (-2.189) and Advantageous to use (-6.679) were significantly related to the use of culling. Cost effectiveness (2.029) was significant and positively related to the use of routine vaccination. Similar to local practice (3.631) and Safe to use (2.210) were significant and positively related to the use of periodic deworming. The study concludes that the frequency of utilization of improved small ruminant production technology is high in eight out of the twelve technologies, but somewhat infrequent in the use of health management related practices. The study recommends more engagement of farmers with targeted livestock extension services to increase awareness and good perception of improved practices, formation of cooperative societies by farmers, and provision of effective, accessible and affordable make-shift veterinary centres across the communities.