ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF LOCAL SWINE PRODUCTION AMONG SMALL SCALE FARMERS IN KABBA/BUNU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated the economic analysis of swine production in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of swine farmers, determined the effect of some selected socio-economic variables on the farm income of swine producers, estimated the cost and return of swine production, and identified the problems faced by swine farmers in the study area. A total of 50 swine farmers were purposively selected from; Iyah, Otu, Kakun, Ogbagba, Ayegunle Igun, Odo ape, and Okebukun. Data collected through structured questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis, gross margin analysis and mean score. The results showed that swine production in the study area was generally practiced by farmers in their active labour age of 48 years and an average swine farming experience of 10 years. Access to extension services was low. The regression analysis showed that education and stock size were directly related to income of swine farmers and significant at 5% and 1% respectively. Swine production in the area was profitable with a positive gross margin of N44, 171 and a benefit cost ratio of N2.49k. The major problems affecting swine production in the area are: high cost of feed (M=2.84), high cost of veterinary drugs (M=2.82), parasitic infection (M =2.70), inadequate capital (M=2.42) and inadequate extension services (M=2.4). It was recommended that adult education be provided to swine farmers. Also, veterinary and extension services should be provided to expand the scale of business and for swine farmers to take advantage of economies of scale in their production activities.