Determinants of cattle herd size among the Dinka pastoralists. A case study of Jonglei state, South Sudan

Abstract

The study investigated the determinants of cattle herd size among Dinka pastoralists in Jonglei state, South Sudan. A cross-sectional research design was employed where a sample of 120 households participated in the study. Frequencies and percentages were used to present distribution respondents according to different aspects of the study. Chi-square tests and binary logistics regression were used to test for the significance of explanatory variables in determining herd size among Dinka pastoralists Study findings revealed that sex, age of the respondent, occupation of the household head, period spent keeping cattle and number of family members involved in cattle keeping in the household significantly determined the size of cattle among Dinka pastoralists in Jonglei State where male respondents, those aged 40 to 49 years, household heads that were always on-farm, households that had spent 30 or more years and with 6 to 14 members involved in cattle keeping were more likely to have more than 50 cattle. Findings also revealed that cattle raiding was among the most challenges faced by Dinka pastoralists in Jonglei State where over (58%) of the respondents reported having lost more than 20 cattle due to cattle raiding. The researcher recommends that Dinka community and South Sudan Government to create ventures for the females and the youths and also encourage them to participate in cattle keeping such that they can also grow and develop economically through cattle keeping and the researcher further recommends that emphasis on investing in pastoralists education and awareness of new technological innovations and appropriate measures in veterinary services should be encouraged as it‟s critical for improving herd size. The government of South Sudan should ensure peace and security of the country in order to curb the challenge and reduce/prevent loss of cattle.