Adoption and economic effects of technologies on livestock farming productivity and income in the urban community of Mayahi, Niger (West Africa)

Abstract

In Niger, the decline of productivity and income from livestock farming are a growing concern for farmers and decision-makers. Livestock farming technologies offer an opportunity to reverse this trend. The study aimed to assess the economic effects of technologies on livestock productivity and income among households in the urban commune of Mayahi, Niger. The methodology consisted of a survey of 210 livestock farmers selected by random sampling, and data analysis was based on descriptive statistics and tests comparing means (T-test/Chi-square). The results showed that 66% of the livestock farmers surveyed were aware of new livestock farming technologies, of which 60% used it. However, this usage rate varied according to the livestock farming technologies as feed (51%), health (55%), hygiene (46%), housing (36%) and equipment (25%). Users of technologies had on average a higher number of cattle and goats, 3.37 and 3.75 respectively, compared to non-users. The average number of calves and kids born per year was higher, 1.18 and 1.6/ respectively, compared to non-users. Daily was 1.10 litres higher than that of non-users. The differences in averages between the two groups (technology users and non-users) in terms of the number of livestock (cattle and goats), calving, and daily milk quantity were statistically significant (P<0.05). Technology users had an average livestock income that was 140,394.25 CFA francs (249.43 USD) higher than non-users. The difference in average livestock income between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.01). Findings provide evidence for policymakers in order to strengthen information of livestock farmers and dissemination of livestock farming technologies in order to develop livestock farming and improve food security and the well-being of rural communities.