ABSTRACT

This study analyzed the determinants of output piggery in Umuahia South Local Government of Abia State , Nigeria. The socio-economic characteristics of the pig farmers were examined, the profitability of pig production and factors that influenced the level of output of piggery were analyzed. Data were collected using a set of questionnaire administered to sixty pig farmers in two selected communities; Ubakala and in the study area. The findings of the study shows that the respondents have a mean age of 35.5 years, 70% of the respondent were literate, 58.3% were married, 71 .6% have more than ten years experience in pig production The double-log functional form was chosen as the lead equation, the multiple determination CR2) was 0.813 which implies that 81.3% of variation in the dependent variable was accounted for by the independent variables. The result shows that stock size, capital and cost of medication were determinants of output of piggery in the study area. Stock s)ze, capital and cost of medication were significant at 1%, 5% and 1% respectively. There was a positive relationship between stock size and level of output while capital and cost of medication were negatively related to level of output. The major constraints in pig production were lack of capital, poor marketing channel, lack of feed, high cost of veterinary services and lack of extension services. J3ased on the findings, it is recommended that the government should formulate arid implement policies that would increase the level of output of pig. These po1icie should include the provision ..of improved and prolific breeds to increase production level, farmers need to be assisted financial through micro finance banks and co-operatives. Improved feeds should be distributed to the farmers at affordable prices.