INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE AND CONTROL PRACTICES OF SHEEP AND GOAT DISEASES AND PEST AMONG FARMERS IN !KOLE EKITI, EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

 ABSTRACT

The study attempts to investigate the level of access, use and effectiveness of indigenous knowledge practices in controlling diseases and pest in sheep and goats among goat and sheep farmers in Ik~le Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Data were gathered through a questionnaire scheduled on a total of 90 goat and sheep farmers in lkole Ekiti. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics tools of frequencies, percentages, and means to describe parameters such as age, sex, household size, educational qualification, and farm size. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between the dependent variable and independent variables. The result revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 58.07 years and 63.3% of the goat and sheep farmers were females. The study area had low contact with extension workers. The main sources of information were, family members, friends and neighbors and radio. Using sandpaper leaf for mange infection and palm oil for bloat was ranked highly effective. The constraint with the highest percentage was inadequate information of usage technique. Based on the result of the Pearson correlation, accessibility has a positive and significant relationship with usage of indigenous knowledge practices. Sequel to the findings of the study, it was recommended that, agricultural extension services in Ekiti state should make extension agents available in rural areas to educate the farmers on various indigenous knowledge practices.