Article Assessment of Economic Performance of Small Ruminant (Sheep and Goat) Production among Rural Households in Iwo Agricultural Zone, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study evaluated the economic aspects of small ruminant production in rural households in Iwo Agricultural Zone, Osun State, Nigeria. The study utilised a multistage sampling technique to identify 120 participants, and primary data was collected through field surveys using a standardised interview schedule. The data analysis process utilized regression analysis, means, percentages, and frequencies. The descriptive analysis revealed that the majority of respondents were middle-aged (64.10%), married (84.17%), male (60.00%), and had an average household size of five people. Sixty-three percent of the respondents had completed one to thirteen years of formal education. The research indicates that small-scale ruminant production is the most popular livelihood activity among respondents (30.83%), with 90% earning between ₦10,000 and ₦100,000 from their secondary occupation each month, with a mean of ₦58,083.33. The small ruminant production cycle had mean years of experience, total revenue, total production cost, and gross margin of 15.20 years, ₦49,555.25, ₦109,806.32, and ₦26,524.79, respectively, with the majority (50.00%) having a medium gross margin. The study area's gross margin from small ruminant production is positively influenced by years of formal education, flock size, experience in small ruminant production, and the cost of starting the flock. The study found that small-scale ruminant farming is a profitable venture in the study area, increasing household income and combating poverty and food insecurity. However, the cost of feeding negatively impacts the gross margin. Therefore, promoting small-scale ruminant farming as a viable income source for rural people in the study area is crucial.