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ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS INFLUENCING THE

ADOPTION OF RABBIT FARMING IN NGONG

SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

MAKOKHA N DAVID

ABSTRACT

Rabbit production is still a new enterprise and is mainly a small-holder system that has advantages over the other livestock systems; because of the small rabbit’s body size, high rate of reproduction,

adaptability to inexpensive housing and useful by-products (Owen et al 1977). Rabbit enterprise is

likely to have more benefits especially to small scale farmers as it will increase their scope of

income stream and also spread their risks of total failure from crop farming it is cheaper, more

efficient and more productive compared to other agricultural businesses like poultry. This

enterprise is simple and does not require more advanced knowledge to run it. Rabbit farming on

large scale, marketing and processing provide employment to youth and women hence reduce

levels of unemployment in those areas.In sub-Saharan Africa, it is believed that rabbits were first introduced by early European colonists and or European and American missionaries over 100 years ago (Lukefahr and Cheeke, 1991; Lukefahr, 2000).In the developed and industrialized countries per capita consumption of meat is high as indicated in the FAO (2008), it is at 82.9 kg/year, while at 31.1 kg/year in developing countries. Average global per capita meat consumption is 42.1 kg/year against the recommended daily animal-sourced protein per capita of 50 kg per year. In the developing countries the level is insufficient and often leads to under-nourishment and malnutrition. FAO (2008) estimate shows that the average global per capita meat consumption is 42.1 kg/year with 82.9 kg/year in developed and 31.1 kg/year in developing countries against the recommended daily animal-sourced protein per capita of 50 kg per year. The rabbit production industry has recorded growth in Kenya over the last couple of years and farmers have earned good profit as well as formed self help groups (Ministry of Livestock Annual Report 2005). In May 2011 the government of Kenya launched an initiative to promote rabbit production which will play a crucial role in alleviating food insecurity and enhance creation of employment as well as wealth and health of the people. From the forum, experts are expected to spearhead the initiative and formulate the strategies that would promote rabbit production and consumption that will ensure sustainable production to meet the escalating demand of the rabbit products. The three year project targets small scale farmers and is dubbed ‘Strategies to promote the rabbit value chain.’