Present status of micro-livestock production in the <em>Anuradhapura</em> district, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Purpose: Indigenous species and non-popular species are referred to as micro-livestock (ML). Micro-livestock farming provides numerous socio-economic benefits. However, attention for ML rearing is low. Hence the purpose of this study is to find the present status of ML farming in Anuradhapura district in order to provide suggestions to popularize ML as a livelihood and income-generation option among rural communities.Research Method: A survey was conducted with 72 ML farmers selected from multi-stage random sampling in the Anuradhapura district.  Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the socio-economic status of farmers and production details of ML farming.  Logistic regression model was used to analyze the drives of ML farmers’ decisions on market participation.Findings: Village chicken was the most popular due to high demand for eggs. Feeding was the least cost component in ML farming. Potentials to expand ML rearing were low labour cost and cost of production and availability of market and infrastructure. Majority of the farmers sell their products to retailer shops. Marketing of ML products is influenced by gender, age, training and distance to market. Lack of technical support and markets, poor extension, diseases, predators and climatic change were identified as constraints for ML rearing.Research Limitations: Micro-livestock farming is the least considered farming practice in the area. The farmers were scattered and they kept ML as a secondary activity. Originality/value: There is a potential to expand ML farming in the area as a remedy for malnutrition and poor income in rural households especially the females.