Challenges and Opportunities for Farmers in Dairy Farming Business in Plateau State

Abstract

This study examines the challenges and Opportunities for Farmers in Dairy Farming Business in Plateau State. This study employed a multi-stage sampling technique within a descriptive and predictive research design to examine the determinants of modern adoption among dairy farmers in Plateau State, Nigeria. The sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula for an unknown population, yielding 384 respondents across three purposively selected Local Government Areas: Jos South, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi. Instrument validity was confirmed by a strong Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value of 0.851 and a significant Bartlett's Test of Sphericity (p = .003). The reliability was excellent, with the Overall Cronbach's Alpha being 0.801. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Logit Regression to test the relationship between human capital/institutional support and the adoption of modern dairy practices (AMP). The Logit Regression model was statistically significant p = .024), explaining 58.3% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance in adoption. Age of the farmer was a highly significant positive predictor (Odds Ratio} = 3.645, p = .002), as was Education level (Odds Ratio = 2.738, p = .018). Conversely, Access to financial support (Sig = .638) and Access to agricultural extension services (Sig. = .464$) were found to be non-significant determinants of adoption. It was concluded that adoption decisions in the Plateau State dairy sector are primarily driven by human capital (experience and education), while external support systems are currently ineffective. It is recommended among others to reform institutional support to drive significance and prioritize experience-based training programs leveraging older farmers' accumulated capital and knowledge.