Assessment of the factors influencing commercialisation of rabbit production among farmers in Wakiso district

Abstract

In recent years there has been increased awareness of the advantages of rabbit meat production in developing countries as a means to alleviate world food shortages. This is largely attributable to the rabbit's high rate of reproduction; early maturity; rapid growth rate; high genetic selection potential; efficient feed and land space utilization; limited competition with humans for similar foods; and high-quality nutritious meat. Globally rabbit production is estimated at more than 1.5 million tons per year, according to (FAO). It is noted that rabbit production in developing countries is low and only few countries export rabbit meat and other rabbit products. In Uganda rabbit production is quite erratic and this is the reason for carrying out this study. The purpose of the study was to investigate the factors that influence commercialization of rabbit production among farmers in Wakiso district - Uganda. The study focused on Namayumba, Kakiri and Wakiso sub counties in Wakiso District. The population under study comprised of 577 households, 237 households from Wakiso Town, 189 households from Kakiri Sub County, and 151 households from Namayumba Sub County who rear rabbits. The study adopted a descriptive survey design which investigated factors that influence commercial rabbit production in Wakiso district - Uganda. The primary data was collected using questionnaires. The collected data was summarized, coded and tabulated. Descriptive statistics such as means and frequency were used in this study. The following conclusions were made from the study, that is; technical knowledge influenced commercialization of rabbit production. Trainings on keeping records, rabbit feeding, housing construction and breed selection should be attended to by those keeping or willing to start rabbit business. Keeping of records is very important in commercial rabbit production. From the research findings the study recommended that rabbit farmers should be trained on keeping records, rabbit feeding, cage construction and breed selection. Commercial rabbit keepers should be encouraged to keep records of their enterprises. It was also concluded that marketing factors influence commercial rabbit production. Viable and well established markets are always a real economic incentive towards farmers embarking upon any alternative agricultural enterprise. The farmers should be trained on the available marketing channels, consumer demand and supply promotion