Abstract:
A comparative study on the contribution of dairy cattle and indigenous chicken
projects on poverty reduction in Tandahimba district was done in four villages of
Tandahimba district. A sample size of 120 respondents 60 from dairy cattle and
indigenous chicken projects and other 60 out of the projects were selected and
interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data obtained from the study area were
analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and Statistical Analysis
System (SAS) computer programmes to compute descriptive statistics. Income was
compared for households in and out of projects as well as before and after joining
the projects. It was found that mean annual incomes for households in dairy cattle
project (1 427 800.00 TAS) were higher than those (414 800.00 TAS) out of the
project. Further, incomes were higher after (1 427 800.00 TAS) than before (527
200.00 TAS) involvement in dairy cattle project. Farmers’ mean annual income in
indigenous chicken project was higher (705 850.00 TAS) than for those out of the
project (407 290.00 TAS). In addition, farmers had higher income after (705 850.00
TAS) than before joining in the poultry project (337 680.00 TAS).
Forward
multiple regressions was carried to determine the contribution of livestock projects
to total annual household income. Annual income from dairy cattle and indigenous
chicken ranked second each in their respective villages after cash crops. The
coefficient of determination (R 2 ) increased from 0.86 to 0.99 and 0.67 to 0.96 for
villages under dairy cattle and indigenous chicken projects as more economic
activities were included in the multiple regression model. It was concluded and
recommended that livestock projects had significant contribution to total household
annual income. The local governments, Non-Governmental Organizations, Faithiii
Based Organizations and Community Based Organizations should continue to
support and encourage development of livestock projects.
