Demographic and Socioeconomic Characteristics of Livestock Rearers in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of livestock rearers in Maiduguri metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria. To give effect to the study, three hundred and forty-six livestock rearers were randomly selected from all the administrative districts of the metropolis. A two-stage sampling procedure was used in the collection of primary data in Maiduguri metropolis. The first stage involved selection of respondents/livestock rearers from each of the communities using the snowball sampling method with probability proportionate to the size of each community. The second stage involved random selection of the districts in order to have all encompassing study sites. Data collected through interview schedules were statistically tested and found to be significant. Results show that livestock rearing is a male dominated practice and account for 73.4% of the respondents and mostly within the age bracket of 20-49 years. It is common among households with 5-7 members. Most of the rearers have attained tertiary education level. Livestock rearing is basically a secondary occupation in Maiduguri. The Kanuri people account for a large percentage of the livestock rearers in the state. Sheep are the most preferred livestock by the rearers and mostly purchased from the open market. It is a viable economic activity that needs to be supported by various financial bodies, both governmental and non-governmental.