Effects of Livestock Production on Rural Development in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed the effects of livestock production on rural development in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure involving purposive and random sampling techniques were used in the selection of 150 respondents. Primary data were collected through interview schedule and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequencies, percentages, mean score and factor analysis. Result showed that the major types of livestock enterprises undertaken by the respondents were: poultry production (85.3%), fishery (68.0%), goat keeping (66.0%), cattle rearing (58.0%) and piggery enterprise (53.3%). These enterprises improved the livelihood of respondents through increased income ( ), employment generation ( ) and enhanced availability of meat and egg products ( ). Other benefits were: increased food nutrition/daily protein requirement (85.3%), increased profitability (79.3%), increased soil fertility (78.7%) and supplies of raw materials for industries (76.0%). High cost of livestock feeds, livestock diseases, low access to veterinary services and inadequate extension service are some of the constraints limiting the performance of the farmers. Therefore, the study recommended that farmers should organize themselves into groups in order to share knowledge and experience for the improvement of livestock farming. This will also help them to secure loans from micro and macro credit institutions.