@article{article_567756, title={Adoption of Smart Strategies for Enhancing Productivity and Income of West African Dwarf (WAD) Goat Farmers in Southern Nigeria}, journal={Journal of Agriculture Faculty of Ege University}, volume={57}, pages={343–350}, year={2020}, DOI={10.20289/zfdergi.567756}, author={Achoja, Felix}, keywords={Akıllı Stratejiler, Verimlilik Artırma, Batı Afrika Cüce Keçisi, Üretim Sistemleri}, abstract={<p>Objective: In this study the adoption of SMART (specific, measurable, realistic and timebound) strategies for enhancing productivity and income of West African Dwarf (WAD) goat farmers was investigated in Southern Nigeria. <br /> </p> <p> <br />Materials and Methods: In April, 2019, structured questionnaire and observation were instrumental to the collection of primary data from 94 WAD goat farmers that were purposively selected using snowball sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were employed in data analysis. <br /> </p> <p> <br />Results: The result of study shows that their productivity enhancement adoption index is 50%. The study revealed that about 52% of the total variation in value of WAD goat is accounted for by breed of initial stock, number of kids per doe, number of matured goat consumed, and age of kidding. Further result shows that SMART strategies adopted such as extension training received, breed of initial stock, number of goat stocked, extension agent and production infrastructures used, have a positive and significant relationship with the productivity. It was revealed that the mean net farm income of non-adopters of SMART strategies was N10,552 per goat and a net farm income of adopters was N15,184 per goat. Test of hypothesis indicated that there is significant difference in the income of goat farmers that did not adopt SMART strategies and goat farmers that adopted SMART strategies in WAD goat production. The result also showed that the major constraints to the adoption of SMART strategies by WAD goat farmers were inadequate genetically improved breed for cross breeding, inadequate capital and poor management system. <br /> </p> <p> <br />Conclusion: We concluded that adopting the identified SMART strategies will significantly improve WAD farmers’ productivity and income. The provision of improved breeding stocks and improvement in management system will address the serious constraints faced by WAD goat farmers. <br /> </p>}, number={3}, publisher={Ege University}