PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES OF LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN THE BOLE DISTRICT OF THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Livestock production in the Bole District is carried out under extensive, semi intensive and intensive systems. However, the extensive system is the most common method practiced, especially in the rural communities. This research provides an analysis of prospects and challenges of livestock production in the Bole District. The study combined purposive and snow-ball sampling procedures. A sample size of 150 livestock farmers was selected from the three (3) agricultural zones -Bole, Bamboi and Mandari. The primary data collection tools used were questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. The data collected, were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that there were more male livestock farmers than females. Also, majority of the livestock farmers (73.3%) had no formal education. Crop farming was the major occupation with livestock production being their minor occupation. Majority of the farmers (80%) reared both ruminants and fowls. Availability of land, water, labour and feed resources were identified as the major prospects that could boost livestock production in the district. However, these prospects were not fully utilized due to some challenges including inadequate financial resources, lack of skills in brooding, breeding as well as marketing challenges. Other challenges were ranked as follows; drought - 1, theft -2, accidents – 3, bush fires – 4, poor housing conditions – 5 and diseases -6. The major measures suggested to solve these problems included provision of credit facilities, capacity building, creation of livestock markets, offering guaranteed prices and the formation of Farmer Based Organizations (FBOs). In conclusion, the farmers maintained that if much attention is paid to the production, management and marketing prospects it would boost livestock production in the District and the nation at large.