A COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION OF THE ECONOMIC DYNAMICS SURROUNDING LAYER PRODUCTS

ABSTRACT: This study examined the economic analysis of Layer production in Kwara State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 80 Layer farmers from 480 registered Layer farmers in the state. In the first stage, four (4) Local Government Areas (LGAs) were randomly selected out of the 16 LGAs in Kwara State. The second stage involves the random selection of four wards from each LGA given a total number of 16 wards. The third stage is the random selection of 5 farmers from each of the 16 wards selected. Both primary and secondary data were used for this study. Primary data were collected with the use of structured questionnaires designed in line with the objectives of the study while secondary data were from journals, conference papers and Layer production association documents. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency tables and percentages, inferential statistics including ordinary least squares regression analysis, farm budgetary and cost benefit ratio. The results of the study showed that 72.5% of the respondents were male, 78.7% were married. The mean age was 38.7 years and 63.8% choose Layer farming as main occupation. Analysis of costs and returns revealed that Layer production was profitable in the study area. The net farm income from layers production stood at ₦1,534,093.53 while that of broilers was ₦ 1,966,086.49 in one production cycle respectively. The regression analysis showed that the cost of day old chick, cost of labor, feed cost and cost of equipment were the significant factors affecting Layer production in the study area. They increase as the size of production increases. The regression analysis showed that the cost-of day old chicks, labor, feed and equipment were the significant factors affecting Layer production in the study area. They increase as the size of production increases. To achieve optimum output and maximum profit, Layer producers in the study area would have to stem down cost of production. Provision of technical education through extension agents would greatly help in achieving this lofty goal.