Analysis of participation of farmers in participatory poultry production research in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyze participation of farmers in participatory poultry research (PPR) in Lagos State, Nigeria. The sample selected through a combination of purposive and random sampling, included 20 poultry researchers and 100 poultry farmers. Data were collected through a structured interview schedule and questionnaire, and analyzed by descriptive statistics and chi-square. The study concluded that there are too few elements of farmer-researcher participatory poultry research (PPR) in Lagos State, farmers are more involved in contract and consultative participation than collaborative and collegiate, even though farmers' participation in all of them is very low and the level of use of PPR by researchers is very low. However, both farmers and researchers are highly willing to participate in and use PPR if the enabling environment and conditions are right. The constraints that militate against the use of PPR by researchers are inadequate motivation of researchers to use PPR by their organizations, the need for extra fund to execute PPR and inadequate skills and knowledge of researchers in using PPR. It is recommended that research institutes and universities should design and implement policies and programmes aimed at encouraging and motivating researchers in using PPR. Research institutes in collaboration with extension agencies should conduct training and workshops for farmers to build and increase their capacities, skills and knowledge to actively participate in PPR.