Assessment of socio-economic factors affecting goat breeding practices and traits preferences of smallholder farmers, Mhondoro
- Author
- Muza, Rosemary
- Title
- Assessment of socio-economic factors affecting goat breeding practices and traits preferences of smallholder farmers, Mhondoro
- Abstract
- The aim of this research project was to investigate and identify the socioeconomic factors that influence goat breeding practices and goat breed traits preferences of small holder farmers with distinctive reference to Mhondoro district. Data were obtained from the mixed–methods approach, including surveying and interviewing 40 respondents chosen through random sampling. For this study, respondents were asked to state the goat breeds in their stock and the reasons for selecting their current breeds. The respondents were asked to rate their preferred trait and breeding practice on a scale of 1(least preferred) to 5 (most preferred). Linear regression analysis using SPSS (23) to assess the relative importance’s of various variables. Disease resistance and adaptability were more preferred traits in smallholder production. As a result Matebele and Mashona goats were the most preferred breeds. Nucleus breeding schemes are recommended to optimize the limited available resources. The study indicated that income level, education, access to veterinary services and market affected the breeding practices and breed trait preferences of farmers. From the study results attained I recommend that there is need for increased extension and veterinary services to goat producers so as for them to have improved breeding practices and breed trait preferences. Also, I recommend the government to increase the channels of credit directed to small holder farmers so as to increase production.
- Date
- May 2023
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Goat breeding
- Smallholder farmers
- Mhondoro
- Supervisor
- Mr K. Kunaka
- Dr A. T. Chikwanda
- Item sets
- Department of Natural Resources
