Journal article
There is a growing interest in understanding farmers’ awareness of the loss of local chicken (LC) genetic resources. Many studies on farmers’ behaviour change have concentrated more on LC productivity rather than conservation. The extent to which farmers are aware of the loss of LC c is unclear. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Igunga District in Tabora Region to assess the farmers’ knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) level towards LC genetic resource conservation. Data were collected using a survey (n=384), focus group discussions (n=10) and key informants’ interviews (n=8). Content and descriptive statistical analyses were done using Atlasi.ti Version 7.5.7 and IBM SPSS version 25 computer software respectively. The index scale was computed to gauge the overall farmers’ knowledge, attitude and practice respectively. The findings show that; the majority of the farmers had an overall moderate knowledge (50.8%), neutral attitude (71.1%) and fair practice (54.4%). The findings indicated a significant association between knowledge and practice (p < 0.05) while a lack of association was found between attitude and practice (p > 0.05). Free-range production system, indiscriminate crossbreeding, inadequate supplementary feeding and feed quality, lack of performance records and limited veterinary inputs and services were reported as obstacles to attaining LC genetic resources conservation. The study recommends that the government collaborate with the development partners in fostering farmers’ KAP towards LC genetic resource conservation. It is for this reason that both knowledge and attitude as building blocks of practice should be increased through training and awareness campaigns focused on LC genetic resource conservation. To this end, it is vital to involve the community to attain sustainable LC genetic resource conservation in the study areas.