Evaluating Key Influences on Sheep Husbandry Practices: A Force Field Analysis

Abstract

This study employs Kurt Lewin's Force Field Analysis framework to evaluate the driving and restraining forces influencing sheep husbandry practices among beneficiary (BF) and non-beneficiary farmers (NBF). The analysis highlights key motivating and inhibiting factors affecting sheep rearing practices and explores the impact of interventions of farmer first program (FFP) such as improved germplasm and training programs. Results indicate that BF farmers have a significantly higher mean rank (33.04) for driving forces (forces for change) compared to NBF farmers (17.96). The high mean rank indicates that BF farmers perceive greater advantages and motivating factors in their sheep husbandry practices. The major areas of BF for higher driving forces related to the upgradation of local breeds, availability of advisory services, and knowledge enhancement through training, better market access, financial resources, and credit support and better access to veterinary services, fodder crops, and infrastructure contributed to higher forces for change. NBFs have a lower mean rank (17.96), indicating they perceive fewer forces for change. The lower rank reflects less access to the aforementioned advantages that BFs relish. BFs have a significantly lower mean rank (14.32) for restraining forces (forces against change) compared to NBFs (36.68). The low mean rank indicates that BF farmers experience fewer barriers and challenges in their sheep husbandry practices. NBFs face higher barriers in terms of lack of follow-up on training programs, poor application of improved technology, and adherence to local feeding practices. The Mann-Whitney U test results reveal significant differences (p < 0.01) between BF and NBF farmers in both driving and restraining forces, with Z-scores indicated strong statistical significance. The findings underscore the effectiveness of interventions in enhancing driving forces and mitigating restraining forces among BFs and highlight the importance of   targeted support for sustainable agricultural development.