Determinants of Rabbit Keeping in the Tropics: Evidence from Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the determinants of rabbit keeping in the tropics. The study was conducted in South-western area of Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in selecting 150 rabbit keepers. The study made use of primary data obtained through structured questionnaire supplemented with oral discussion. Data covering socio-economic characteristics such as age, farm size, farming experience, et cetera, were elicited from the respondents. Data collected were analysed through the use of descriptive statistical tools such as means and percentages as well as multiple regression technique of analysis.

The results showed that 58% of the rabbit farmers were within the age bracket of 31 and 40 years. 66% used the green leaves to feed their rabbits. The majority (70%) of the farmers were males while the remaining 30% were females. 54% were married, while 46% were single. 62% of the respondents had formal education, while 38% did not attend any school. About 70% of the farmers had household size greater than five with the mean of six. None of the farmers took rabbit farming as full time. 64% of the respondents’ main occupation was farming. The major determinants of the number of rabbits reared were, age of the respondents, farming experience, annual net farm income and accessibility to loan. It was recommended that more awareness on rabbit production and marketing should be created in order to increase the earnings of farmers.

Keywords: Consumption, Farmers, Labour, Production, Rearing, Regression,