KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF LIVESTOCK FARMERS TOWARDS WILDLIFE-FRIENDLY BREEDING PROGRAMS IN OYO STATE

Abstract

The study investigated the knowledge and attitudes of livestock farmers towards wildlife-friendly breeding programs in Oyo State, Nigeria. . Multi stage sampling procedure was used for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that the majority (73.3%) of respondents were male, with farmers aged between 31 and 50 years, and a significant portion (40%) having more than 16 years of farming experience. While a general awareness of wildlife-friendly breeding programs existed (mean = 3.45), farmers lacked practical knowledge of implementing these practices, particularly regarding their impact on livestock productivity (mean = 2.98). Despite a positive attitude towards the potential benefits of wildlife-friendly practices (mean = 3.22), concerns about increased workload (mean = 2.70) and preference for traditional methods (mean = 2.35) were prevalent. Major barriers to adoption included the high cost of implementation (mean = 3.67), lack of technical knowledge (mean = 3.45), and limited government support (mean = 3.70). Regression analysis showed that farmers’ educational level (p < 0.001), participation in agricultural training programs (p = 0.001), and access to extension services (p = 0.003) were significant predictors of positive attitudes towards wildlife-friendly breeding. Additionally, cattle farmers demonstrated a stronger inclination to adopt such practices compared to those managing other livestock (p = 0.002). The study concludes that while farmers are generally receptive to wildlife-friendly breeding programs, substantial challenges particularly financial constraints, inadequate training, and limited government support hinder widespread adoption. The provision of financial incentives, enhanced agricultural education, and stronger government policies are recommended to facilitate the integration of wildlife conservation into livestock farming practices. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation, offering actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders.