ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF DIVERSE ANIMAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON DISEASE PREVENTION AND CONTROL AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This research assessed the impact of diverse animal health management practices on disease prevention and control among smallholder farmers in Delta State. The first, second and third stages involved a random selection of fifteen (15) Local Government Areas (LGAs); two communities each and a snowball sampling of twenty (20) of smallholder animal farmers from the State. 600 questionnaires were administered to the smallholder farmers. Smallholder farmers often experienced the effects of diseases on their animals due to poor management practices. Data generated from the study were processed and analyzed with percentages of their gender, educational qualifications and experiences and hypothesis tested with multiple regression statistics at 0.05 level of significance. The result revealed nuanced significant impact of regular vaccination, hygienic practices, proper nutrition, and farmer education, on disease prevention and control. Based on these findings, it was recommended that Delta State Government should implement a robust and targeted extension services to disseminate information and provide hands-on training to smallholder farmers.