Enterprise Training Needs of Poultry Farmers During Covid-19 Pandemic in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the enterprise training needs of poultry farmers during COVID-19 Pandemic in Enugu State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select one hundred and eight (108) respondents from the six agricultural zones in the State. Data were collected using semi-structured interview schedule and analyzed using Percentages and mean score. Findings indicated that (100.0%) of the respondents produced live chicken alone, 88% indicated that they never had any visits from extension agents before and during COVID_19 Pandemic. Also, results revealed that the cost of feeds increased by 88% during the Pandemic. In addition, the major constraints faced by the respondents during pandemic were; scarcity of trained labour ( =3.76), theft ( =3.63), rotting of eggs ( =3.55) and shortage of feeds ( =3.52). The study revealed that farmers needed trainings in the areas of flow of funds (98.1%) and feed formulations (73.1%) during COVID-19 Pandemic. Extension should therefore provide training for farmers on how to access fund during emergencies. Also, farmers should be trained on feed formulation so that they can be able to produce the feed they need during emergencies like COVID-19 Pandemic. Government should make available agricultural grants to farmers which will enable them bounce back especially during emergencies.