Socio-Economic Characteristics of Owners and Body Linear Measurements of Donkeys in Two States of North-West Nigeria

Abstract

A research was conducted between January to June, 2009 to investigate the socio-economic parameters and body linear measurements of donkeys in two states (Kaduna and Kano) of northwest Nigeria. One hundred and twenty seven (127) donkey owners (smallholder farmers) were individually interviewed with the aid of a designed and pre-tested questionnaire and data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. The results indicated that 80% of the respondents had primary education in Kano (p < 0.05). Ninety eight percent (98%) of the respondents used donkeys for commercial activities in Kano (p < 0.05). Also, 90% of the respondents in Zaria achieved other goals from the income generated from using donkeys. The mean farm size in Birnin Gwari 1.10 ± 0.33ha was significantly higher than in Kano and Zaria respectively. The mean family size in Kano 10.85 ± 0.411 individuals was significantly higher than in Birnin Gwari and Zaria. Kano state had the highest mean years of experience with donkeys 22.82 ± 0.565 years. Also, the mean length of neck of donkeys in Birnin Gwari 62.43 ± 1.031cm was significantly higher than in Kano and Zaria. Farm parameters differed significantly (p < 0.001) with return per week. Increasing the number of working days with donkeys by one day was estimated to significantly decrease the weekly income from donkeys by 15%. However, increasing the number of donkeys by one donkey was estimated to significantly (p <0.001) increase the weekly income of the farmers by 62%. The household age significantly correlated with the family size (r = 0.546, p < 0.001), farm size (r = 0.276, p < 0.001) and years of experience with donkeys (r = 0.624, p < 0.001) respectively. It was therefore concluded that donkeys contribute immensely to the socio-economic well being of smallholder farmers in northwest Nigeria. Hence, they should be promoted. Further research is needed in all aspects of management and welfare of donkeys in Nigeria.