"This study investigates agropastoralists’
perception on the extension services, small ruminant fattening package and intensity of
adoption small ruminants’ fattening package. The study is undertaken in Meiso Wereda,
Oromia Region,Ethiopia. The Wereda has agropastoral and pastoral production system. The
data are collected from 151 randomly selected pastoralists and agropastoralists using
structured interview schedule. Secondary data were collected from different sources to
supplement the data obtained from the survey. In addition to quantitative data qualitative data
also gathered. Prior to formal survey an informal survey was also undertaken by using group
discussion and interview with key informants. Descriptive statistics such as frequency,
percentage mean, standard deviation, Chi-square tests and t-test were employed. The Tobit
model was also employed to determine factors influencing intensity of small ruminant
fattening package adoption. This study identifies agropoastoralists and pastoralists are poorly
addressed and their need and interests are not considered in any extension programmes The
Tobit model output showed that, agropastoralists intensity of adoption of small ruminant
fattening package is influenced by: perception on the availability of improved breed,
perception on resources based conflicts, current management practices, total livestock holding
of HHs and credit use and availability for veterinary purposes. Future extension activities and
agencies,promoting fattening package in agropastoral and pastoral areas, should focus on
targeting agropastoralists with low perception on the availability of better breed, information
and demonstration on the improved management practices, revision of credit supply criteria,
making awareness and demonstration of the significant importance of small ruminants in the
agropastoral and pastoral income and livelihoods contribution is important.."