Perceived Constraints to Adoption of Improved Poultry Technology Among Poultry Farmers in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria

Poultry farming constitutes an important sector in agricultural development as an important source of protein. The study determined farmers’ response to poultry extension services in Owerri agricultural zone Imo state Nigeria. Poultry farmers would not break even in their business enterprise without adoption of improved techniques of farming. One hundred and twenty farmers were randomly selected for the study and data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as percentage, mean, frequency and multiple regression at 0.1 level of significance (ordinary lean square analysis). The results revealed that education was an important factor that determined farmers participation in extension programmes. Young farmers were also more receptive to extension programmes. The results also revealed that their major sources of information were from extension agents 2.7 and fellow farmers 2.6. The farmers also adopted the use of improved breeds, regular litter replacement and regular vaccination of birds with a mean of 2.8 respectively. They however did not adopt the use of artificial breeds. Their major constraints to the adoption of innovation were finance and high cost of livestock feeds. In recommendation, farmers were encouraged to form co-operative societies to enable them access loans from financial institution.a.

Keywords: Adoption; Improved poultry technology; Imo state; Nigeria; Perceived constraints; Poultry farmers