Abstract
We analyzed the current status of basic animal husbandry and health care undertaken by small-scale, mixed-operation farmers in the Jirapa and Lambussie Districts of Ghana. Sixty mixed-operation farmers were interviewed through a structured questionnaire. SAS was used to analyze data grouped by farmers’ age (age groups of 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-69). The mean total household size of farmers aged 60-69 was found to be significantly higher than the mean household size of farmers in their 30s or 40s. Independent of their age group, agricultural income from crops and from livestock production was not statistically different. The average numbers of both sheep and goats did not differ significantly between the various age groups. Use of veterinary services was highest among farmers of the 50-59 age group, and this group recorded the minimum mortalities of sheep and goats among the four age groups. The proportion of farmers keeping written records was significantly higher in the 40-49 age group than in the other age groups. None of the farmers in the 60-69 age group kept records. The survey indicated that because of the larger family size of the oldest group, the per capita income from livestock production was lower for families of farmers in this age group than for the younger age groups. Livestock mortality was highest for farmers in the 30-39 and 60-69 age groups; in order to increase income from livestock production in these age groups, reducing livestock mortality should receive topmost priority. Farmers recognize the necessity of animal health care especially vaccination and de-worming, but the actual numbers of farmers undertaking these activities appropriately were not captured in the data. It is therefore recommended that further studies be conducted to ascertain figures and determine the challenges associated with vaccinations and treatment of sheep and goats.
