Constraints to the utilization of animal traction technology as an alternative farm power in Karita sub county, Amudat District

Abstract

This was a cross sectional survey carried out in. Karita sub county, Amudat district. The main aim of the study was to determine the constraints to the utilization of animal traction technology as an alternative farm. power. The specific objectives of the study were to identify the type of animals reared for animal traction, to determine the factors and practices limiting the utilization of animal traction, to find out the implements used for animal traction and to determine the contribution of animal traction technology to farmers in Karita sub-county, Amudat district. Data was collected from 99 randomly selected respondents using questionnaire with both open and closed questions. The results were: presented using tables graphs and pie charts. The study revealed that animals used for traction technology were majorly cattle (88%) followed by donkeys (10%) and camels (2%). Cattle were mostly used for tillage operations the donkeys and camel for transportation of produce. The implements used in the study area were majorly ox ploughs (7S%), carts (24%) and, harrowers (1%). However, constraints to the animal traction technology in the area were: Diseases namely; tick born disease (40%), contagious pleuropneumonia (19%) poor feeding as animals depended only on natural pastures, poor extension services with 30% of the farmers accessing extension services. For effective utilization of animal traction technology as an alternative farm power, there's need to improve extension services so as to create awareness about animal traction utilization. There's also need to improve on animal husbandry requirements, harnessing techniques, enhance animal traction technologies by introduction of implements such as, planters, weeders and harvesters so as to increase the farm productivity hence household income and food security.