Adoption of improved livestock management innovations in Nigeria: The Benue State experience

Livestock farming in Africa is limited by many factors, including health, nutrition and reproductive performance. A study was carried out in Nigeria to identify the factors influencing the adoption of improved livestock management practices, Some 980 farmers who kept livestock on a small scale were interviewed in Benue State, an area often described as the 'food basket' of Nigeria, Many of the farmers had no formal education, derived little income from livestock, and showed a limited degree of social participation and extension contact. The last three variables were significantly related to the adoption of improved livestock management practices. A sustained farmer education programme is vital, but there is a real need for extension agents to work with groups of farmers.