ABSTRACT:

The adoption of innovative agricultural technologies plays a pivotal role in addressing the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, particularly in improving productivity and sustainability in livestock farming. This study focused on evaluating the level of awareness and adoption of haybarn storage facilities among ruminant animal farmers in Nasarawa Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Haybarns are essential for conserving forage, mitigating seasonal feed shortages, and enhancing livestock nutrition. A total of 50 farmers were randomly selected, and data were gathered through structured questionnaires and interviews, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that only 34% of respondents were aware of haybarn technique, and a mere 2% had adopted it for forage storage. Despite its potential benefits, adoption remains abysmally low due to several constraints. The most significant barriers included inadequate dissemination of information (96%), high costs of constructing haybarns (66%), lack of access to credit facilities (72%), and farmers’ strong preference for traditional extensive and nomadic farming systems (62%). Additionally, limited entrepreneurial skills and inadequate capital were identified as hindrances. The study highlights the weak research-extension-farmer linkage in the area, which has impeded the effective transfer of agricultural innovations. To address these challenges, the study recommends amongst others the introduction of participatory extension methods such as farmer field schools and agricultural exhibitions to raise awareness. There is also a need for improved access to credit facilities, entrepreneurial development programs for farmers, and government investment in rural infrastructure to support modernized livestock farming systems. Enhancing the adoption of haybarn storage facilities could significantly mitigate seasonal feed shortages, reduce livestock mortality, and improve the socio-economic wellbeing of ruminant farmers. These measures are crucial for promoting sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring food security in the region.