Characterization of Small Ruminant Farmers in Iwo Local Government, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

A survey was conducted to assess the demographical uniqueness of small ruminant farmers in Iwo Local Government. The study area is legendary for small ruminant production; however, there is paucity of information about their demographical characteristics. Therefore, this study elucidated the age range, gender distribution, marital status, religious background, ethnicity, income generating activities and educational qualifications of small ruminant farmers in the area. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaires by stratified random technique and analyzed descriptively. Majority of the respondents were within 31-60 years of age. Higher percentage of the farmers was females (73.9%) and married (82.2%). Most of the respondents were Muslims (58.0%) from Yoruba land (90.5%) and illiterate traders by occupation. Since most of the small ruminant farmers in the study area are Muslim females, it is expedient for the Government when allocating change agents to the area to put this factor into consideration. There is need to send more females than males to the area if innovations will be well passed across and accepted by the recipients.