SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS AND MAJOR CONSTRAINTS AFFECTING THE PRODUCTION OF PIGS IN SOUTHERN KADUNA

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine socio-economic characteristics and major constraints affecting the production of pigs in southern Kaduna. One hundred (100) structured questionnaire were administered across the study area to obtain data on socio-economic characteristics and major constraints affecting the production of pigs. Data collected were analysed using simple statistics (frequency and percentage) of the SPSS software version 23. Socio-economic characteristics of pig farmers collected from a population of 100 respondents showed that 24 percent were between age between 30 and 40; 23 percent were between the age 41 and 50; 30 percent were between age 51 and 60 while 31 percent of them were males while 69 percent were females. Data collected from 100 respondents revealed that farmers, civil servants, livestock traders and others were 38, 24, 6 and 32 percent, respectively. 63%of the respondents were married, 11 percent were single and 26 percent were widow/widowers. The pig producers were confronted with the major challenge of keeping records and monitoring feed quality. 62 % of the pig farmers were faced with the problem of insufficient capital. The socio-economic characteristics of pig farmers in Southern Kaduna indicate a predominantly mature and female demographic, with significant challenges related to insufficient capital and availability of feed. To enhance pig production in the region, it is recommended that targeted financial support programs be established, alongside training initiatives focused on feed among farmers