ECONOMICS OF TRADITIONAL CATTLE PRODUCTION IN THE NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA OF NIGERIA

Abstract

A survey to determine the economics of traditional cattle production among agropastoralists was carried out in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The survey covered 75 agropastoral households grouped into three categories viz: CI, CII and CIII for  livestock activities and two groups GP1 and GP2 for cropping activities. The analytical framework used in the study include simple gross margin and multiple regression analysesResults of the study indicated that 66.67% of the respondents have lived in the study area for up to five years. Total variable cost (TVC) varied with the size of herd. TVC averaged N958.72/LU for CI, N818.48/LU for CII and N561.29/LU for CIII. The agropastoralits were making some profit in both livestock and cropping actiVities. Gross margin/LU averaged N967.28/LU N1,118.93/LU and N1,344.93/LU for farmers in CI, CII and CIII, respectively. The gross margins in cropping activities were N372.24/ha for GP1 and N480.18/ha for GP2. Inputs identified in cattle production were relevant in explaining variations in output. There was a decreasing return to scale in cattle production. There was also an inverse relationship between unit cost of production and size of herd. The above results indicated that a substantial increase in the income of the farmers was possible. This could be achieved through integrated crop/livestock productionproper herd management and adequate provision of supplementary feed for dry season cattle production.