Constraints to ruminant production in East Mamprusi District of Ghana

Abstract

A study was designed to identify species-specific constraints to ruminant production as perceived by animal owners in East Mamprusi District. The hypothesis was that the constraints to production as perceived by sheep, goat and cattle farmers were sufficiently different to warrant species-specific strategies being recommended. A total of 516 ruminant owners were chosen from the 10 agricultural zones of the district using a multistage sampling technique. They were interviewed using a questionnaire with open-ended and closed questions. A total of 496 completed questionnaires were acceptable, comprising 32.9 per cent sheep owners, 36.7 per cent goat owners, and 30.4 per cent cattle owners. The response rate was 96 per cent. The study showed that the background or perceptions of sheep, goat and cattle owners differed significantly (P<0.05) in major occupation, average numbers of animals kept, length of experience, management systems, and in reasons for keeping a particular species to rear. Most respondents considered diseases to be the primary problem constraining production, irrespective of the species kept, followed by housing, feeding, or lack of knowledge on management. Their perceptions on most beneficial assistance were not significantly different. It was, therefore, concluded that species-specific solutions were unnecessary when addressing issues concerning constraints to ruminant production identified in this study in East Mamprusi District of Ghana. Original scientific paper.