SOCIO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF SMALLHOLDER PIG PRODUCTION IN SABON GARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Multistage sampling procedures were adopted in this study to select Sabon Gari Local Government Area (LGA), 3 out of 11 wards in the LGA and 49 pig farmers. The aim was to analyze the socio-economic as well as costs and returns of pig production in the LGA. A structured questionnaire was used to generate primary data which were analyzed using descriptive statistics and gross margin analysis. Results showed that majority of the farmers fell within the active productive age of 30-50 years; 67% were males and over 67% were married. The total variable cost (TVC) amounted to N185,000 while the gross income was N
539,000 yielding a gross margin of N 354,000 and return on investment of N 2.91. Major constraints identified include shortage of funds and poor pricing of produce. Recommendations proffered include better access to credit and membership of cooperative and farmer groups.