Abstract: Improving swine productivity is essential for meeting the growing demand for animal protein and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods in Nigeria. This study examined the determinants of adoption of improved swine production and management practices among farmers in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described farmers’ socio-economic characteristics, assessed their awareness and level of adoption of improved practices, identified factors influencing adoption, and examined constraints faced by farmers. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 90 swine farmers. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and logit regression. The results showed that the mean age of farmers was 42 years, with 68% male, 74% married, and 47% having tertiary education. The average farming experience and herd size were 9 years and 21 pigs, respectively. Awareness of improved practices was generally high, particularly in water supply (94.4%), disease prevention (91.1%), and feeding (88.9%). Adoption was highest for water supply (mean = 3.7), feeding (3.2), vaccination (3.2), and sanitation (3.1), while record keeping (2.5) had lower adoption. Logit regression results indicated that education, farming experience, farm size, household size, awareness, and income significantly influenced adoption. Major constraints included high input costs (80%), limited access to credit (72%), inadequate extension services (64%), and poor technical knowledge (60%). The study concludes that despite high awareness, adoption remains constrained. The study therefore recommended that strengthening extension services and improving access to credit and training are essential to enhance adoption and productivity.
Keywords: Adoption, improved management practices, Swine farmers, Plateau State.jaerem NEW Owa, G.T
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