Influence of Farm Characteristics on Intergeneration Farm Transfer among Poultry Farmers in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed intergenerational farm transfer among poultry farmers in Delta State. Simple random sampling procedure was used in selecting 275 registered poultry farmers in Delta State. The objectives of the study were to determine the farm characteristics of the poultry farm, determine the poultry farmer’s perception on inter-generation farm transfer, and determine the level of engagement between owners and designated successor. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. Descriptive data analysis was done using frequency counts, percentages, means derived from a 5 point likert scale. Inferential statistics was done using logit regression. Results show that the respondents comprise mainly of male (72.50%), most of whom were middle aged (41 years), married (72.91%) and (46.11%) had tertiary education. Results show  that they had a mean farm size of 2,710 birds, the farms had an average age of 8 years. About (66.23%) had no farm debt. The average eggs and meat harvested monthly were 1,849 eggs and 245kg of meat. Most (81.80%) of the respondents were operating on full-time farming status and a mean monthly income of #151,000. The succession index was 0.505, implying that 50.50% of the farmers had engaged their successors. The logit model also confirmed a significant relationship between farm characteristic and intergenerational farm transfer. It is therefore recommended that farming household should be educated to sustain the family business.