Contribution of Donkeys to Poverty Reduction among Rural and Urban Dwellers in North-West Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated the contribution of donkeys to poverty alleviation among smallholder farmers in four states (Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa and Katsina) of northwestern Nigeria. One hundred and twelve (112) farmers were randomly selected and interviewed with the aid of questionnaires in all the states. The results indicated that age, gender and educational levels of the respondents differed significantly (p<0.05) between the states. In addition, donkey farmers from rural areas received 80% lower total family income from their donkeys than those in urban areas. Farmers in Kano state received the highest total family income (p<0.05). Donkeys Working hours per week and the number of donkeys possessed by the farmers had significant and positive effects on the farmers’ total family income (p<0.001). However, farm size had a significant and negative effect on the farmers’ total family income in all the states (p<0.01). It was concluded that donkeys are important animals in both rural and urban areas of northwestern Nigeria and should be given special attention for sustainable development and poverty reduction among citizens of the zone.