ANALYSIS OF THE UTILIZATION AND IMPACT OF ANIMAL TRACTION IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

ANALYSIS OF THE UTILIZATION AND IMPACT OF ANIMAL TRACTION IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract:

This study assesses the utilization and impact of animal traction in Katsina State. One hundred and seventy farm households who were selected through a combination of purposive and systematic random sampling techniques were surveyed using both structured and unstructured interview techniques. Three distinctive types of farm households were identified, namely: households who owned work bulls and implements (independent users of animal traction), households who used animal traction but did not own the package (dependent animal traction users) and households who depended mainly on hoe cultivation (non-users of animal traction). Land tillage (ploughing and ridging) were the most common use to which animal traction was applied. Some farmers also used animal traction for weeding and carting. The use of cows for traction purposes was not known in the study area. Similarly the application of animal traction in driving stationary processes was not known. The correlation and regression analyses showed that age, having training on animal traction, traction access status and farm size were positively and significantly related to the level of utilization of animal traction. On the other hand, off-farm employment, and education were negatively and significantly correlated with the level of utilization of the technology. Other variables such as access to credit, ownership of cattle, extension contact, household labour capacity, leadership status and membership in associations were not significantly correlated with the level of use of the technology. The study revealed that independent animal traction users recorded slightly higher average net incomes than both the dependent users and non-users of the technology. The regression analysis showed that the level of use of animal traction had a positive and significant impact on farm income. Similarly, the study showed that the use of animal traction had significant impact on control of resources within households. On the other hand, the regression analysis revealed that the use of animal traction did not have any significant impact on crop yield. Furthermore, the study showed that even though the average labour input per hectare was greater among nonusers than the users of animal traction, there was no significant difference in the labour input per hectare among the Independent and Dependent user households. Finally, a detailed examination of the animal traction knowledge system provided useful insights into the reasons for the low level of utilization of the technology and its trend of impact. Suggestions for improved utilization of animal traction include introduction and adaptation of weeding, seed drilling and harvesting animal drawn implements, introduction and promotion of cow, donkey and camel traction, training blacksmiths in maintenance of animal drawn implements and the introduction of Animal Traction Hiring Units, by the ADPs and farmers organizations.

ANALYSIS OF THE UTILIZATION AND IMPACT OF ANIMAL TRACTION IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

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