Quantitative Perspective of Small Ruminant Production in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Keywords:
Quantitative modeling, econometric analysis, small ruminants, ruminant production, goat production, Akwa IbomAbstract
This study applies quantitative modelling and econometric analysis to assess small ruminant production in selected Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 31 small ruminant producers, randomly selected from three Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Akwa Ibom State (Uyo, Abak, and Ikot Ekpene). Using the farm-level data from the small-scale goat producers, the study estimates a Cobb–Douglas production function to identify input elasticities, measure technical efficiency with stochastic frontier analysis, and identify key socio-economic and production characteristics of goat producers in the State. Based on the findings, the study recommends that policy interventions should focus on improving farmers’ access to affordable feed resources, veterinary services, and extension support to enhance productivity and technical efficiency. In addition, capacity building in modern husbandry practices and targeted investment in value chain development are necessary to promote competitiveness and ensure the long-term sustainability of small ruminant production in Akwa Ibom State, and Nigeria at large.
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