Factors associated with adoption of improved rabbit management practices and its implication on household food and nutrition security in Osun State

Abstract

The study was undertaken to identify factors affecting the adoption of improved rabbit management practices and its implication on household food security in Ogun State, Nigeria. A structured interview schedule was utilized in obtaining information from one hundred and seventy eight (178) respondents. Data were analyzed using percentages, multiple regression and factor analysis. The stock, vaccination, deworming, use of kindling box and use of pellet plus forages for feeding were most adopted. Males dominate the production of rabbits in the study area. It equally revealed that age, education and years of experience significantly influences adoption of improved rabbit management practices. They were: “Economic factors”, ‘Nutritional factor” and “Housing factors”. It was therefore recommended that effort should be intensified by extension agents in encouraging and motivating rabbit keepers to increase their stock and adopt more rabbit innovations. Micro credit opportunities should be provided for rabbit keepers at a moderate of interest. This will undoubtedly increase rabbit production and ensure adequate nutrition for every household through protein consumption. Thereby enabling developing countries like Nigeria to attain household food and nutritional self-sufficiency.


(Af. J. of Livestock Extension: 2003 2: 47-53)