Abstract:
This paper discusses the information needs of urban and peri-urban livestock keepers and the various
information sources used and their effectiveness in disseminating livestock information. Mixed method
approach was the methodology used in the study whereby quantitative data was gathered using
questionnaires while qualitative data was gathered using in-depth interviews and participant observations.
Findings from this study revealed that livestock keepers had various information needs such as disease
control (95.3%), nutrition and feeds (62.2%), markets (56.3%), housing techniques (29.1%) and loans
(20.1%). Urban livestock keepers also used different sources of information to access information
including veterinary shops (77.2%), extension services (63.8%), fellow livestock keepers (40.2%), print
sources (39.8%) agricultural exhibitions (29.1%) and seminars (12.6%).
It was concluded that most
urban livestock keepers do benefit from various information sources (especially veterinary shops and
extension officers) to access livestock information. The study recommended for improvement and
regulation of policies concerning extension and veterinary services through relevant bodies for enhanced
access to information on livestock husbandry, in order to improve the livestock husbandry practices and
increase productivity for economic development.
