SOCIOECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION IN NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

The Northern region of Ghana hosts the largest number of livestock producers compared to the other regions, but output is still low despite the introduction of improved technologies which have the potential to increase livestock yields when adopted and provide better livelihoods to participating households. Consequently, adoption of improved technologies has been low, slow and uncertain. This study set out to examine factors that influence the adoption of livestock production technologies. One hundred and fifty (150) livestock farmers were randomly sampled from six communities in three districts of the region. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and a logit regression model. The results showed that the low level of awareness of livestock production technologies have contributed to the low adoption by farmers. The logit regression results disclosed that the likelihood to adopt livestock production technology was significantly explained for 56% by extension contact, intent of producing livestock, number of children, herd size (for some animals species), source of stock, farm record keeping, education and gender. 44% of variation in adoption is therefore caused by other factors. It is recommended that any intervention to increase the adoption of livestock production technology should focus on creating greater awareness and also consider the specific policy variables that influence adoption.