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

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

Opportunities for Change in Small Ruminant Systems in Central Java-Indonesia

Abstract. This study evaluated sheep fattening and goat breeding innovation scenarios for small ruminant systems in Central Java. In sheep fattening scenario 1, farmers were proposed to fatten 5 male sheep two times a year, in sheep fattening scenario 2, farmers were proposed to fatten sheep in one round of 9 months up to the age of one year. In sheep fattening scenario 3, farmers were proposed to fatten male sheep in two periods, one round with 5 animals as in scenario 1, and another round with 5 animals sold at one year of age for Idul Adha. Goat breeding scenarios were based on a breeding unit with 3 does and involved reductions of kidding intervals from 278 (middle zone) and 273 (uplands) days to 240 and 220 days. The sheep fattening scenarios indicated that if farmers could start specialising in sheep fattening, the technical and economic results could be improved compared to the present sheep production system. Sheep fattening scenario 3 showed the highest net live-weight production in kg and the highest value added. When the opportunity labour costs were included in the calculations, fattening of sheep still produced a positive net return to the farmers. A goat breeding unit with 3 does produced 2.2 and 1.7 times more kids than in the real situation in the middle zone and uplands, respectively. Reducing kidding intervals resulted in an increase of kids sold by 1.2 and 1.3 respectively for kidding intervals 240 and 220 days in the middle zone; while in the uplands this was 1.1 and 1.3 times respectively. The breeding scenario calculations indicated that goat breeding could make a positive contribution to the livelihood of goat farmers, if the management of goats was improved. Keywords:  sheep fattening, goats breeding, value added, Indonesia Animal Production 14(1):37-46, January 201