Extension Strategy Development and Training Needs for Small Scale Commercial Poultry Farmers in Nigeria

The study ascertained Small Scale Commercial poultry farmers’ needs on improved production techniques in Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State. A purposive sampling technique was used to select sixty (60) poultry farmers. Findings revealed that the percentages of poultry farmers that need training on various poultry production techniques are as follows: housing system (83.3%), feeds and feeding strategies (87%), disease/parasites prevention and control (80%); handling skills (80%) and marketing strategies (88.3%). Findings also showed that (13.3%) of the poultry farmers hired labour for the business, (53.3%) are making use of family/relatives for the business while (28.3%) of the respondents employed both labour and family together. Marital status, level of education and awareness of improved poultry production techniques were significant (X2 = 6.136, P < 0.05) and X2 =19.679, P < 0.05). Also there was no significant relationship between farmers’ awareness of poultry production techniques and training needs (X2 =1.016, P < 0.05). It is recommended that seminar/workshops should be regularly organized for the poultry farmers’ on the best practices that will save the cost of feeds and reduce mortality in their poultry production techniques.