Graduate Participation in Livestock Enterprises: A Study of Selected Local Government Areas in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

The twin problems of poverty and unemployment have been blamed on the didactic pedagogical methodology used in our educational institutions that is devoid of appropriate entrepreneurship skills.  Entrepreneurship development is considered the foundation of leading developed economies of Japan, China, America, etc. hence the clamour for entrepreneurship competencies in Nigeria even in the livestock sub-sector of agriculture.  The study determined graduate participation in livestock agriculture in Benue State.  23 graduate farmers from 3 Local Government Areas of Benue State were purposively selected.  Descriptive statistics and probit regression technique were used in data analysis.  Result show that of the 23 graduate farmers, 14 (60.86%) were in crop enterprise; 7 (30.43%) in mixed farming (crop/livestock) while 2 (8.69%) were in livestock farming.  It was also found that capital outlay, access to labour, appropriate entrepreneurship skill acquisition, number of veterinary services, demand for livestock products and return on investment positively and significantly influenced choice for livestock farming.  On the basis of the findings, the researcher has recommended the re-orientation of the Nigerian education system towards appropriate entrepreneurship skill development; special financial incentives (subsidy) to be given to graduates in livestock business; provision of adequate veterinary and extension services targeted at graduate livestock farmers, reviewing agricultural pricing policy to make livestock farmers get fair revenue from their products because high returns to investment will facilitate livestock business for increased participation by youth.