ASSESSMENT OF CONSTRAINTS AFFECTING GOAT PRODUCTION AND MARKETING PRACTICES IN MAKODA AND UNGOGO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS, KANO STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess constraints affecting goat production and marketing practices in Makoda and Ungogo Local Governments Areas of Kano State, Nigeria. The study describe socioeconomic characteristics of goat rearers, as well as major constraints affecting goat production in the study area. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 130 farmers used for the study. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaires which was later analyzed using descriptive statistics, (frequencies and percentages). Findings revealed average age of 44 (43.65) years among the respondents. Majority 56.92% of them were males, 83.85% were married and have average household size of 8 people among the respondents. Majority 56.92% of the farmers were found to be literate. The result further shows 60.77% of them as mixed farmers and 68.46% of them have average 13 years of farming experience with average flock size of 6 goats among the farmers. Diseases, inadequacy of feeds, poor markets and lack of promising breeds were identified from the study as major constraints affecting goats’ production and their prices in the area. It is concluded from the study that farmers could obtain better goat prices and income to solve a lot of their economic, social and domestic needs if necessary veterinary extension personnel and facilities as well as means of making feeds more adequate year – round, introducing more promising breeds together with mass enlighten campaigns are made available at the reach of the farmers in the study area.