Economic Viability and Constraints of Small Ruminant Production among Rural Households in Enugu State, Nigeria: A Profitability Analysis
2021
Nwakpu, C.C.
The study analyzed the profitability of small ruminant production among rural farming households in Enugu State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 144 small ruminant (goat and sheep) farmers to whom a structured questionnaire was administered. Data collected from 142 respondents were analyzed using enterprise budget analysis and descriptive statistics. The results showed that the small ruminants production enterprise was profitable, having recorded a net farm income of N304,200; a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1:1.56, and a return on investment (ROI) of N1.56 for every one naira invested in the enterprise per farmer of a mean flock size of 16 animals per production cycle. The study further revealed a mean revenue of N53,200; a mean cost of N34,187.50, and a mean net profit of N19,012.50 per animal. The results of the sensitivity analysis indicated that the small ruminant production enterprise in the area had immense capacity to profitably withstand unexpected changes in input and output prices. Lack of funds, scarcity/high cost of improved stock breed, high cost of feeds/labour inputs, poor remunerative prices, and poor access to drugs/veterinary services, among others, were respectively ranked as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th constraints to increased and profitable small ruminants production in the area. The study recommended the enactment and effective implementation of policy measures aimed at increasing provision by governments, relevant financial institutions, and NGOs of credit facilities and related financial support to assist rural small ruminant farmers in accessing the required inputs, especially high-quality improved breeding stock. Relevant institutions and agencies should also provide the livestock farmers with seamless access to effective veterinary/extension services for increased yield and profitable small ruminant business in Nigeria.
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