Abstract:

The current paper examines the socio-economic and institutional factors affecting the adoption of improved breeds of small ruminants in Nigeria. Data were collected from one hundred and fifty (150) farmers through a multi-stage random sampling procedure from five Local Government Areas in Ondo State. Data retrieved were subjected to both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that 68.7 percent of the farmers were between 31 and 50 years of age with 96.0 percent level of literacy. Results of the logistic regression model showed that age of respondent, household size and feeding expenses decreased the odds of adopting improved sheep and goats. However, results further revealed that adoption of improved small ruminants was positively impacted by herd size, farmer’s monthly income, monthly visitations by extension agents and sources of information. The study, therefore, suggests that government should pursue policies that will promote large scale, youth’s participation and extension services in small ruminants’ husbandry.

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