Impact of stockmanship training in transforming small scale beef cattle farming enterprises in Mt Darwin

Author

Chibange, Sally

Title

Impact of stockmanship training in transforming small scale beef cattle farming enterprises in Mt Darwin

Abstract

This paper is a study on the impact of Stockmanship on small scale beef cattle farmers farming performance and livelihood resulting from training courses conducted through various training centers located strategically around Mt Darwin. The objectives of the study were to examine farmers’ agricultural practices resulting from Stockman training, the impact of Stockman training on cattle welfare, farmers’ productivity, and farmers’ income. The study was conducted in Mt Darwin focusing on farmers that were stockman trained from the year 2018 to 2023. The study employed a mixed methods approach having questionnaires being used to determine impacts of stockman training. 67 farmers made the sample of the study from a population of 224 farmers that were trained. The study found that prior to stockman training, farmers practiced poor husbandry practices that include insufficient record keeping, limited adoption of technology, inhuman handling, poor nutrition and feeding, poor breeding and reproduction management and limited knowledge of animal behavior and welfare. Results also show improvements in disease management, adoption of best practices, understanding of animal behavior and handling skills; improved growth rate, meat quality, herd fertility, heard health and income for farmers due to stockman training. From these findings the study concludes that stockman training is an effective tool in transforming beef cattle enterprises. The major recommendation this study suggests is that farmers receive continuous stockman training to enhance their productivity.

Date

July 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Stockmanship

Small scale beef cattle farmers

Beef cattle farming

Supervisor

Dr Chatikobo, P