Use of Improved Production Technologies Among Goat Farmers in Abia State Nigeria

Abstract

The study provided an empirical evidence on the use of improved goat production technologies among rural farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were, ascertain the extent of use of improved goat production technologies, determine factors influencing use of improved goat production technologies and identify constraints to access and use of improved goat production technologies. A multi-stage random sampling procedure was adopted in selecting 120 respondents. Data were collected through the use of questionnaire and analysed with frequency, percentage, mean and regression model. Respondents were aware of dipping (100%),deworming (99.2%) fostering of kids (93.3%) and colostrum feeding (71.7%), among others. On extent of use of improved goat production technologies, respondents highly used most of improved goat production technologies [grand mean = X = 3.20]. All the respondents [100%] agreed that lack of access to credit was a constraint to use, 100% agreed on lack of credibility from source of technological information, 99.2% agreed that they were afraid of taking risk, 93.3% agreed on difficulty in technology application, among others. Age education, household size, farming experience, farm size, income and access to credit were the determinants of use of improved goat production technologies at 5% level of probability Greater use of available improved technologies will promote productivity, and therefore there is need for proper sensitization and awareness by relevant agencies. Again, credit should be made available to farmers by relevant governmental and nongovernmental agencies to increase the level of use of available improved technologies. Keywords: improved goat production technologies and farmers