Date of Award

Spring 5-9-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Program Option

Agricultural and Resource Economics

Advisor

Nii O. Tackie, PhD

Co-advisor/Committee Member One

Chukweumeka Okere, PhD

Committee Member Two

Henry J. Findlay, EdD

Committee Member Three

Janette R. Bartlett, PhD

Comittee Member Four

Nar Gurung, PhD

Abstract

ABSTRACT

ASSESSING THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM NEEDS OF

SMALL AND LIMITED RESOURCE MEAT GOAT PRODUCERS

by

Francisca A. Quarcoo

The purpose of this study was to assess the preferred educational program needs of small meat goat producers. The specific objectives were to (1) determine if current educational programs by the Caprine Research and Education Unit and/or the Cooperative Extension Program, Tuskegee University, reflect the actual needs of meat goat producers, (2) measure adoption and impact of past educational efforts by the Caprine Research and Education Unit and/or the Cooperative Extension Program, (3) determine the desired presentation or delivery format for future programs, and (4) determine relationships between selected socio-economic variables and explained variables. The data were obtained from a purposive sample of 54 producers, and analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests.

This group of respondents had more males than females (62 percent versus 33 percent); equal proportions of Blacks and Whites (46 percent); more middle-aged producers (64 percent); more producers with at least a two-year college degree (72 percent); about equal proportions (49 percent) of those with $40,000 or less annual household income and those with more than $40,000 annual household income. There were many more part-time farmers with most making $2,500 or less in annual sales. Nearly 95 percent indicated that they were at least somewhat familiar with the Caprine Research and Education Unit and/or Cooperative Extension Program programs in marketing, nutrition, reproductive management, and integrated parasite management. For the most part, 78 percent indicated that, the programs have contributed to their operations. In addition, at least 72 percent agreed that research on nutrition management and nutrient analysis; efficacy of natural parasiticides; integrated parasite management; economic, marketing and risk management; productivity and profitability among meat goat and milk breeds; meat quality assurance programs; reproductive management and artificial insemination were important to them. An overwhelming majority (82 percent) agreed that they had adopted or used information or skills from past program activities. Moreover, at least 72 percent affirmed that their preferred educational delivery formats for future educational programs were field/goat day; on-farm demonstrations/farm visits; one-on-one assistance; meat goat newsletter; and fact sheets and publications.

The chi-square tests showed that age had a significant effect on adoption or use of information or skill from past activities. Regarding preferred education delivery presentation format for future educational programs, gender and age had significant effects on using meat goat newsletter; race/ethnicity had a significant effect on using on-farm demonstrations/farm visits as well as on using fact sheets and publications; and age had a significant effect on using web-based program materials as well as formal classroom setting. Overall, based on the research preferences for the producers and the educational delivery format preferences for future programs, we propose or suggest that these two should be given priority to enhance meat goat production. In addition, factors such as age, gender, and race/ethnicity should be considered in adoption of information or skill, and for preferred educational delivery formats for future educational programs.

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