NON-CONVENTIONAL FEEDSTUFF, THEIR INFORMATION CHANNELS AND UTILIZATION PRACTICE, IN NIGERIA

Abstract

A study on the information management on the availability, adoption and utilization of Non-conventional Feedstuffswas conducted. The study involved a survey of 253 poultry and 259 pig farmers from six States in Nigeria. Friends and neighbours (40.4% of poultry and 53.3% of pig farmers) were found to be the most important source of information on NCF followed by Extension Agents (36.5 % of poultry and 36.8% of pig farmers). Extension guides and bulletins were found to be more important sources of information on NCF than Radio or TV. The percentage of farmers who reported using guides and bulletins were 22.6% for poultry and 13.6% for pigs in contrast to only 3.2% for radio and 11.1% for TV amongst poultry farmers; 2.3% for radio and 1.1% for TV amongst pig farmers. The main source of NCF for farmers is the open market. This was reported by 44.7% of poultry and 68.8% of pig farmers. However, while oniy 26.1% of poultry farmers reported sourcing NCF from household wastes up to 57.1% of pig fanners did so. Similarly, only 14.1% of poultry farmers compared to 42.9% of pig farmers reported sourcing NCF from the industry. On farm sourcing was done by 10.7% of poultry in contrast to 36.7% of pig fanners. The difference between farmers who said they were satisfied with NCF use (39,2% ) and those dissatisfied (34.5% ) was marginal in the case of poultry farmers. Similarly, pig farmers that were satisfied with* NCF were 46.6% compared to 41.5% that were dissatisfied. Very few fanners said they were highly satisfied with NCF use: 2.6 % of poultry and 8.3% of pig farmers. Most of the farmers acknowledge that they share information on NCF with other farmers (56.9% of poultry and 82% of pig farmers). Some 28,3% of poultry farmers and 51.5% of pig farmers said they employ additional labour as a result of using NCF. For poultry farmers the number employed were 1-2 by 12.3%, 3-5 by 11.9% and >6 by 2.6%. For pig farmers, the number employed were 1-2 by 61.3%, 3-5 by 29.4% and >6 by 9.3%. This result shows the high potential that exists for employment generation through promoting the use of NCF. Given an average of 2 workers per farmer, the 259 pig farmers interviewed created additional 518 jobs. It is concluded that given the complex nature of most NCF, the use of well-trained Extension agents and contact farmers complemented with good Extension publications will greatly enhance the use of NCF by poultry and pig farmers.