Adoption of zero grazing and impact on livestock keepers’ knowledge of cattle reproductive parameters in Western Kenya

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Livestock Research for Rural Development

Publication Date

9-1-2015

Abstract

A cross sectional survey questionnaire was administered in 520 livestock farms in Kisii and Bungoma counties of western Kenya. The objective was to determine factors influencing adoption of zero grazing farming and the impact of zero grazing on farmers’ knowledge of the cattle reproductive parameters. Data were analyzed using logistic regression, two-sample t test, and ordinary least squares model (OLS). The results of the logistic regression model revealed that adoption of zero grazing was influenced by age of household head, years of schooling, number of school going children, number of exotic cattle , being above the poverty line of Ksh 2,500, dependency ratio and number of cross breed cattle. The two-sample t- test revealed that farmers who practiced zero grazing were more keen on the reproduction of their animals. The OLS regression predicted the variable of interest, practice of zero grazing and number of exotic cattle owned to have strongly influenced farmers’ knowledge of the cattle reproductive parameters. Other variables that had a weak significant and positive impact on farmers’ knowledge were age of household head, milk production as the most important reason for keeping cattle and herd size. To increase farmers’ investment in zero grazing production system, the study recommends, investments in education of farmers, increasing access of farmers to higher yielding cattle and improving their poverty status. Since participation in zero grazing enhances farmers’ knowledge of the cattle reproductive parameters, efforts should be made to encourage farmers’ adoption of zero grazing as it gives room for knowledge enhancement with positive implication on the success of the dairy industry.

Keywords

Grazing systems, Knowledge scores, Logistic regression model, Technology adoption

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