TECHNOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC CONSTRAINTS TO ANIMAL TRACTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT In spite of the efforts being made to popularise animal traction in Nigeria, the desired widespread adoption of the technology by farmers has not been achieved. This paper examines some of the technological and economic constraints to widespread adoption of animal traction by farmers Some of the technological problems identified include non-availability of a wide range of implements for farm operations other than land preparation, lack of diversification in tlic use of animals, poor knowledge of animal husbandry practices and poor animal health services The economic problems discussed include the relatively high initial investment cost, deferred earnings and the lack of significant increases in crop yield over manual farming. A number of solutions are proffered for alleviating these problems