FACTORS INFLUENCING PROFITABILITY AMONG SMALL RUMINANT PRODUCERS IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the factors influencing profitability among small ruminant producers in Bauchi State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 312 respondents from 7 Local Government Areas across the three Agricultural Zones of the State. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using farm budget analysis, multiple regression analysis, and descriptive statistics. The profitability analysis revealed total revenue of ₦39,209,452 against total costs of ₦29,949,905, yielding a gross margin of ₦9,259,547.00 and a Net Farm Income ratio of 0.6, indicating moderate profitability with every ₦1 invested generating ₦0.60 profit. Feed costs dominated variable expenses (over 47%), while goats contributed more to revenue (56.6%) than sheep (43.4%). Regression analysis showed that years of experience (P<0.01) and type of animal raised (P<0.05) positively and significantly influenced gross income, while association membership showed a negative significant effect (P<0.05). Major constraints identified were disease outbreaks (68.5%), feed scarcity (65.2%), high cost of feed (60.8%), limited veterinary access (55.4%), poor market access (50.1%), theft/predation (45.7%), and inadequate credit (42.3%). The study concluded that small ruminant production is economically viable and contributes significantly to rural livelihoods in the study area. The study recommended that government should strengthen extension and veterinary service delivery, establish subsidized feed programmes and community feed banks, improve access to credit and improved breeds, enhance market infrastructures, address security challenges, and implement LGA-specific interventions tailored to local priorities.