Factors Affecting Livestock Extension Service Utilization for Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Dembia District, North Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

In Ethiopia due to low emphasis by the government to the livestock extension service, the livestock sector does not play its role at the desired level. This study was aimed at assessing existing livestock extension service delivery, describing the service contribution to smallholder livestock production and identifying factors affecting of its utilization. A multi-stage sampling technique employed to select a total of 143 sample respondents using systematic random sampling technique. The Quantitative data analyzed using descriptive statistical tools including mean, percentage and frequency. Binary logit regression model used to identify factors affecting farmers’ utilization of livestock extension services. 56.6% of farmers perceived, the livestock extension delivery was mainly consultation and provides relevant advice for farmers and it was farmer visit and training through process and result livestock technology demonstrations using farmer training centers. Shortage of well trained, skilled and experienced extension personnel found to be major problem behind effective delivery of livestock extension service. Livestock extension service has contributed for smallholder farmers in terms of increasing animal production and productivity, decreasing mortality and improving income at unsatisfactory level. The model result indicated, out of thirteen hypothesized explanatory variables two namely farming experience of household head and credit access were found to affect farmers’ utilization of livestock extension service on animal breed improvement significantly; three explanatory variables namely, family size of household, frequency of extension contact and credit access were found to affect farmers’ utilization of livestock extension service on improved animal housing and feeding style significantly. Three explanatory variables; family size of household, farming experience and annual livestock farm income were found to affects farmers’ utilization of livestock extension service on improved animal forage development significantly; and additional four explanatory variables such as, age of household head, total farm size, total honey bee hive and credit access were found to affect farmers’ utilization of livestock extension service on animal diseases prevention and control method significantly. Overall finding of the study underlined importance of well-organized livestock extension service provision and supporting utilization of service through delivery of credit and technologies based on farmers’ problem and need. Therefore, policy and development interventions should be given emphasis to improve livestock extension system so as to enhance production and productivity of livestock sector and to achieve the desired goal in livestock sector.