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Author
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Chikore Advance
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Title
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An Investigation on the Influence of Socio-Economic Factors on the Utilization of Livestock Extension Services in Zimbabwe
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Abstract
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This study investigated the influence of socioeconomic factors on the utilization of livestock extension services in Zimbabwe. Livestock extension services play a crucial role in disseminating information, technology, and best practices to livestock farmers, thereby enhancing productivity and promoting sustainable agriculture. However, the utilization of these services is influenced by various socioeconomic factors, which needed to be better understood for effective service delivery. A mixed methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. A multi-stage sampling method to ensure a representative sample of farmers in Zaka, Zimbabwe. The primary data collected included information on socioeconomic characteristics, such as income, education level, access to credit, and landholding size, as well as utilization patterns of livestock extension services. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis to identify the significant socioeconomic factors influencing the utilization of livestock extension services. The results indicated that 75% were males whilst 25% were females, distance to extension offices insufficient availability of services in my area, access to credit, and landholding size were significant values of service utilization. Additionally, qualitative data from interviews provided insights into the farmers' perceptions, attitudes, and experiences regarding the extension services. Based on the findings, several recommendations can be made. Firstly, policymakers should prioritize efforts to improve income levels and access to credit among livestock farmers, as these factors positively influence the utilization of extension services. Secondly, educational programs should be developed to enhance farmers' knowledge and skills, enabling them to fully benefit from the available extension services. Additionally, targeted interventions should be designed to address the specific needs and challenges faced by small-scale farmers, who may have limited resources and access to extension services. The findings of this research contribute to the existing literature on agricultural extension services and provide valuable insights for policymakers, extension practitioners, and development organizations in Zimbabwe.
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Date
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June 2024
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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Extension services
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Socioeconomic factors
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Utilization
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Sustainable agriculture
Zimbabwe
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Supervisor
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Mr M Dhliwayo
