International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Yohanna J Alhassan, Ishaq D Sanchi, Luka E Dorh and Simon S Vintenaba

abstract
The study evaluated the characteristics of extensive system of poultry farming in Niger State. The study examined habits and practices, numbers of chickens and other animals cared for, causes of chicken loss, chickens’ diseases and health care awareness by respondents, and preferred extension capability to provide linkage services. Fifty farmers were selected using multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were collected with the administration of structured questionnaire and analyzed with frequency counts and percentages. Result showed that 70% of respondents were female and 42% were within 18 to 45 age bracket. Adult female (48%) spend the most time caring for the chickens while, 30% and 24% keep chickens for sales and consumption respectively. 76% provide housing, 74% provided feed-supplement and 80% give medication to support their flocks like intensive system. Predators (40%) and disease (36%) were the main causes of poultry loss. Continuous sensitization on basic information about chicken care (100%) and market accessibility (76.51%) were some of the preferred extension capability by farmers continuous training and provision of linkage services in terms of simple housing, feed-supplement, vaccination against Newcastle-Disease and deworming of bird) are recommended extension capability to develop FPP business.