Factors influencing adoption of commercial rabbit production among farmers in Nakuru district, Kenya

Abstract

In recent years there has been increased awareness of the advantages of rabbit meat production in developing countries as a means to alleviate world food shortages. This is largely attributable to the rabbit's high rate of reproduction; early maturity; rapid growth rate; high genetic selection potential; efficient feed and land space utilization; limited competition with humans for similar foods; and high-quality nutritious meat. Globally rabbit production is estimated at more than 1.5 million tons per year, according to (FAO). It is noted that rabbit production in developing countries is low and only few countries export rabbit meat and other rabbit products. In Nakuru district rabbit production is quite erratic and this is the reason for carrying out this study. The purpose of study was to investigate the factors that influence adoption of commercial rabbit production among farmers in Nakuru district Kenya .The study focused on Lanet, Barut, and Municipality divisions of Nakuru District. The population under study comprised of 1830 households, 750 households from Lanet Division, 600 households from Barut Division, and 480 households from Municipality Division who rear rabbits. The study adopted a descriptive survey design which investigated factors that influence commercial rabbit production in Nakuru district Kenya. The primary data was collected using questionnaires. The collected data were summarized, coded and tabulated. Descriptive statistics such as means, frequency, and frequency were used in this study. The followings conclusions were made from the study, that technical knowledge influenced adoption of commercial rabbit production. Trainings on keeping records, rabbit feeding, hatchet construction and breed selection should be attended by those keeping or willing to start rabbit business. Keeping of records is very important in commercial rabbit production. It was also concluded that marketing factors influence commercial rabbit production. From the research finding the study recommended that commercial rabbit farmers should be trained on keeping records, rabbit feeding, hatchet construction and breed selection. Commercial rabbit keepers should be encouraged to keep records of their enterprises. Viable and well established markets are always a real economic incentive towards farmers embarking upon any alternative agricultural enterprise. The farmers should be trained on the available marketing channels, consumer demand and supply, promotion.