Abstract

This study analysed the determinants of small ruminant farmers’ participation in veterinary services in Northern Ghana. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to collect data on 249 farm households in different locations in Northern Ghana. Analytical tools including frequencies, means and logistic regression model were used to analyse the data. The regression analysis indicates a positive relationship between participation in veterinary services and sex of household head (p<0.05), education (p<0.05), household income level (P<0.05), herd size (p<0.05), and affordability of veterinary service (P<0.01). In addition, the study shows that diseases and pests menace, insufficient veterinary offices and animal health professionals were the major three constraints affecting animal health management in northern Ghana. In order to improve quality delivery of veterinary service in the area, the result of the logistic model provides a guideline to select farm households for implementation of veterinary extension programs in the region. Such guideline should be based on the important socio-economic and farm-related variables identified from the regression analysis. Furthermore, sustainable livestock production can be enhanced when animal health centers and professionals are made visible at local farming communities. Therefore, policies that provide an enabling environment for more private veterinary practice is relevant. More so, more qualified animal health professionals need to be trained to commensurate with the increasing number of livestock smallholders in the country. 

Key words: Small ruminant, farm households, veterinary services, logistic regression, Northern Ghana.