Analysis of Farmers’ Productivity and Production Constraints In Livestock Enterprises In Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analysed farmers productivity and production constraints in livestock enterprises in Kwara State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select 127 smallholder livestock farmers. A structured questionnaire complimented with interview schedule was used to obtain cross-sectional data from the farmers. Total factor productivity formula -parametric statistics were used to analyse the data obtained. Results show that sheep with TFP value of 3.85 was the most productive livestock enterprise in Kwara State while broiler enterprise with TFP value of 2.96 was the least productive. The most severe production constraints encountered by the farmers were high cost of acquiring credit facilities ( = 15.62), high cost of feed ( = 13.22), high incidence of diseases ( = 13.14), poor/shortage of veterinary services constraint ( = 12.98), Limited capital ( = 12.83) and high cost of acquiring breed stock ( = 12.77) among others. About 64% farmers were in agreement with the ranking of the constraints affecting livestock enterprises in the area. The study concluded that the livestock farmers were relatively productive in the area but are faced with production constraints that pose significant threat to their productivity. It was intervention and remedial efforts should be tailored towards subsidized inputs such as feeds and brood stock, improved veterinary services as well as adequate and effective farm advisory/extension services.