IDENTIFYING TARGET GROUPS FOR LIVESTOCK IMPROVEMENT RESEARCH - THE CLASSIFICATION OF SEDENTARY LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS IN WESTERN NIGER

Classification constitutes an essential step in any realistic evaluati on of the constraints and opportunities that exist within a farming sy stem. In this study, cluster analysis was used to classify crop-livest ock producers in three villages in western Niger into recommendation d omains using a combination of production and marketing variables. Four recommendation domains were identified. Discriminant analysis was use d to profile the characteristics of the obtained groups. Cluster and d iscriminant analysis results were used to suggest appropriate research and policy interventions for each group. The approach utilized repres ents a logical and systematic method of classification which is deemed appropriate for determining the factors which affect livestock produc tivity and hence identifying research and policy interventions to meet producers' needs.