GENDER CONSTRAINTS OF GOAT FARMING IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper evaluated gender constraints of goat farming in Abia state, Nigeria and found out the management practices carried out by female goat farmers in the state. It examined the gender-related socio-cultural constraints militating against the production of goats in the state and determined the gender-related economic challenges affecting the production of goats in Abia state. The study population consisted of women goat farmers drawn from four local governments across Abia South and Central senatorial districts, through multi-stage sampling technique. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, while descriptive statistics of frequency, percentages and mean were used to analyse the results. Findings revealed that female goat farmers were confronted by both gender-related socio-cultural and economic challenges which affect the productivity of the goat business. Among the economic challenges identified were: the absence of practical training (3.8), inability to secure the recommended breeds of goats (3.7), failure to access credit facilities (4.1) as well as high price of veterinary medicine (3.6). The socio-cultural challenges observed among the respondents included: lack of available grazing land (3.7), family/household responsibilities (3.7) poor educational level (3.8), among others. The paper therefore concluded that even though the greater proportion of the women were in their productive years, their output in goat production was poor owing to these challenges. It therefore recommended that efforts should be made by the government and other relevant agencies to strengthen extension work and ensure steady flow of information on the recommended practices on goat production.