ABSTRACT

This study was carried out on the Socio Economic Determinants of Pig Production in two Agricultural zone of Abia State. Specifically, the study examined the socio — economic characteristics of pig producers, determined the cost and returns hence the profitability of pig production, estimates the socio — economic factors determining profitability of pig production among pig farmers, and the problems encountered by pig producers. A multi stage sample approach was used to collect primary data from a random sample of 80 pig farmers with the help of well framed questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, farm budgeting, regression analysis and profitability ratios were used in the analysis of data. From the result of this study, it was discovered that 50% percent of the pig farmers in the study area were within the age bracket of 25 — 40 years which indicates a preponderance of ageing and less energetic population. 45% percent are educated up to tertiary level this may lead to easy adoption of new technology and improvement in efficiency. Pig farmers having experienced of 6-l2years constitute 40% percent, indicating that people are entering into the business newly, 56-25% percent of farmers got their initial capital through owner's equity and money lender. This may lead to poor capital formation. The coefficient of determination (R2) of the regression analysis was 0.563. Four socioeconomic variables such as age, experience in pig farming, input cost and stock size significantly determined pig output among farmers in the study area. The Regression Coefficient were negative for household size, amount spent on feed and expenses on labour, indicating an indirect relationship with output. The main constraints faced by pig farmers in were high incidence of disease, inadequate transport facilities, and feed and inadequate production materials. In other to improve the output of pig farmers, it was recommended that the government should provide loan to pig farmers, transport system should be upgraded and cooperative activities should be encouraged.