International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Sayed Abdul Hamid Sadat, Chandrahas Prajapati, Qudratullah Qani, Gyendra Kumar Gaur, Marappan Gopi and Esmatullah Resa

abstract
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of Watani cattle owners in two districts of Wardak province, Afghanistan. The study aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of the profile of cattle owners and the intricate factors influencing their livelihoods. The data collection process involved a meticulous survey consisting of about 210 male respondents. The analysis of the age distribution reveals distinct categories, with 18.77% young, 28.09% middle-aged, 31.24% late middle-aged, and 21.90% elders. Educational attainment among the respondents exhibits a heterogeneous landscape, with 39.52% being illiterate, 30.00% having completed primary education, 20.95% possessing middle education, 8.57% attaining high school education, and a mere 0.96% being graduates. The majority of respondents belong to joint families (90.95%), while the remaining 9.05% hail from nuclear families. Family sizes display considerable variation, with 1.90% classified as small, 13.34% as medium, 85% as large. The primary occupation of the respondents predominantly agriculture and livestock (53.33%), followed by labor (26.19%) and services (20.48%). Land ownership patterns among the respondents reveal a diverse range of land sizes, ranging from 0.4 to 0.8 hectares, with 35.71% owning land in the 0.4-0.6-hectare range, 37.14% in the 0.6-0.8-hectare range, and 27.15% owning more than 0.8 hectares. In terms of monthly income, most respondents (67.15%) earn between 6001 and 10000 AFN, while 32.38% earn up to 6000 AFN, and a mere 0.47% earn between 10001 and 15000 AFN. These findings provide valuable insights into the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of Watani cattle owners in Wardak province, offering a nuanced understanding of their circumstances. The implications of this study can inform targeted interventions and evidence-based policies aimed at enhancing their livelihoods and overall well-being, thereby contributing to the broader literature on sustainable development and poverty alleviation in rural areas.