Impact of Vocational Training on Livestock Farmers' Skills and Knowledge in Wildlife Conservation and Animal Breeding in Southwest, Nigeria
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study assessed the effectiveness of vocational training programs on livestock farmers' knowledge and skills in wildlife conservation and animal breeding in Southwest Nigeria. A quasi-experimental design was used, utilizing a pre-test/post-test control group structure. A sample of 150 livestock farmers from Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo states were selected using multistage sampling techniques. The data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including paired t-tests and regression analysis. The results revealed significant improvements in the knowledge and skills of the farmers after the training program. In terms of wildlife conservation, the mean post-test scores (M = 71.25, SD = 10.45) were significantly higher than the pre-test scores (M = 49.80, SD = 12.30), t(149) = 16.43, p < 0.001. For animal breeding, the mean post-test scores (M = 68.70, SD = 9.85) also showed significant improvement compared to the pre-test scores (M = 47.55, SD = 11.05), t(149) = 15.87, p < 0.001. The regression analysis further demonstrated that education level (β = 0.29, p < 0.01), access to extension services (β = 0.34, p < 0.001), and farming experience (β = 0.22, p < 0.05) were significant predictors of post-training performance. The study concluded that vocational training significantly enhanced farmers' capacity for wildlife conservation and animal breeding practices. It is recommended that such training programs be expanded and tailored to address specific socio-economic characteristics of the farmers to optimize knowledge application and sustainability in agricultural practices.
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7218242827