Factors Influencing Uptake of Exotic Dairy Goats in Kitui West Sub-County, Kitui County, Kenya

This study investigated factors influencing uptake of exotic dairy goat farming in Kitui West Sub County, Kenya. Goat farming has gained popularity globally especially among small holder farmers and many countries are making tremendous efforts to support farmers improve their quality an productivity. Many smallholder farmers in Kenya have developed interest in exotic dairy goats farming and factors which enhance uptake were investigated. The study assessed and investigated socio-demographic, local community leadership, management practices and economic factors influencing uptake of dairy goats which should be addressed in the sub-County. The paper recommends interventions which can address impediments to uptake of dairy goats. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and was presented using percentages, frequencies, means and Tables. The findings showed that cultural background hindered respondents from effectively engaging in exotic dairy goats farming. From the Pearson moment correlation, there was a weak positive correlation between uptake of exotic dairy goats and social demographic factors with a correlation coefficient of 0.333 with a significant value of 0.001; which was less than 0.05. A correlation coefficient of 0.911 at 0.0003 level of confidence indicated a strong positive correlation between the uptake of exotic dairy goats farming and local community. Also strongly positively correlated was the uptake of exotic dairy goats farming and farm management skills with a correlation coefficient of 0.872 at 0.002 level of confidence. There was strong negative correlation between uptake of exotic dairy goat farming and economic factors with a correlation coefficient of 0.044 at 0.000 level of confidence. It was concluded that socio-economic factors are significant in determining uptake of exotic dairy goats farming. The study findings are important because they will assist in improving goat breeding and improve farmers’ income and livelihood. There is a need to strengthen awareness in order to change farmers’ attitude and enhance uptake of exotic dairy goats farming.