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NU Ideas Volume 1, Number 1

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Nagoya University Multidisciplinary Journal

Impact of Capacity Development in Livestock Production: The Case of Farmer Livestock School in the Philippines

Mary Jane B. Alcedo
Graduate School of International Development
Nagoya University, Japan

Roughly one billion people, including many of the world’s poor, depend directly on animals for income, social status as well as food and clothing, and the welfare of their animals is essential for their livelihood. However, the sector has not contributed as much as it might have to poverty alleviation and food security. Sustainable livestock production should then entail the provision of innovative technologies, information, supporting services and enabling policies to ensure growth through Capacity Development (CD).

This study presents results on the impact of CD on livestock production, productivity and income after four years of project implementation. It provides evidences that can contribute and or back-up early literatures in the concept of CD. The case studied was the Farmer Livestock School (FLS) in The Philippines, learning through experience scheme focusing on integrated goat management, having a total of 130 graduates in Region I in CY 2006. Questionnaires, interview guides and secondary data were used in gathering information on the change of production & productivity and income of farmers.

Result showed that production and productivity of goat significantly increased. Weight at 8-month old increased by 34% while total mortality rate decreased by 59%. Annual net income derived from sales increased by 278%. It was also found that there was a gradual change in the existing population of breeds of stocks in the farm from native, upgrade and crossbreed in four years time. Results suggest that after undergoing such season long farmer school, the capacity of farmers in goat production has significantly improved.

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