STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING THE PROFITABILITY OF PIG FARMS IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract The study ascertained strategies for improving the profitability of pig farms in Cross River State, Nigeria. One research question and one hypothesis guided the study. The study adopted survey research design. The population for the study was 744 participants made up of 456 and 288 registered pig farmers and agricultural extension officers respectively in the study area. The sample for the study comprised 260 participants made up of 150 registered pig farmers and 110 agricultural extension agents. The sample size for the registered farmers and extension agents was determined using the Taro Yamane formula. The random sampling technique was used to select the pig farmers and extension agents that participated in the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire developed by the researcher. A structured questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. To test for reliability of the structured questionnaire, the Cronbach Alpha method was employed to test the internal consistency of the instrument. The reliability test yielded coefficients of 0.80. It was found out that there was no significant difference in the mean responses of agricultural extension personnel and pig farmers on the strategies for improving the profitability of pig farms. Based on these findings, it is concluded that the profitability of pig farms could be improved through the adoption of strategies such as effective use of available resources, use of innovative technologies, implementation of relevant policies, joining relevant organizations, effective extension services, establishment of pig breeding centres, and creating marketing linkages, among others. It was recommended among others that the ministry of agriculture at the state and federal level, animal product based nongovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders should provide funds for farmers to implement the strategies identified to enhance improvement in pig farms in the study area.