Training needs of rural women farmers on small ruminant production in abia state, Nigeria

The paper examined the training needs of rural women farmers on small ruminant production in Abia State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was distributed to one hundred and eighty small ruminant women farmers using multi-stage random sampling techniques. Data obtained were analysed using simple descriptive statistics (mean and percentage) and multiple linear regression analysis. The result of the analysis shows that, majority of the women (57%) were married, 34.4% were within the age range of 40 – 50 years and 45% of them is within 15 – 20 years of enterprise experience and 36.1% had between 15 – 20 flock size. Majority of the farmers practiced extensive system of management. The study revealed that the training needs in order of priority, treating of animal disease (x ̅ = 3.55), oestrus/birth synchronization (x ̅ = 3.45), prevention of animal diseases (x ̅ = 3.66), product disposal (x ̅ = 3.37), feeding of animals (x ̅ = 3.37), ration formulation (x ̅ = 2.23), waste management (x ̅ = 2.27), improve carcass quality (x ̅ = 2.13), artificial insemination (x ̅ = 2.17) and use of modern technology (x ̅ = 1.92). Regression result reveals that accessibility to market, educational level, farming experience, membership of association and access to credit were significantly related to small ruminant production (R2) = 0.863. The findings suggest that improved small ruminant production could be achieved by giving considerations to those training needs and significant variables, and also by creating enabling environment through provision of micro-credit, and regular training of the women organised by extension agents in the study area.