Preparedness of Livestock Farmers in Collaborative Engagement with Senior Secondary Schools for Teaching Animal Husbandry in a Southern State, Nigeria

Collaboration between livestock farmers and secondary schools is increasingly viewed as a means of strengthening agricultural education, experiential learning, and workforce preparation in animal husbandry. This study assessed the preparedness of livestock farmers to collaborate with Senior Secondary Schools in teaching animal husbandry and examined factors influencing such preparedness within an extension education framework. A descriptive survey design informed by experiential learning, social constructivist, and adult learning perspectives was employed. Data were obtained from 367 livestock farmers, with 330 valid responses analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Preparedness was measured in terms of availability of facilities, capacity to support learning, and perceived institutional support. Farmers demonstrated a generally high level of preparedness, particularly in providing access to farm infrastructure, animals, and equipment. Institutional and logistical constraints such as limited incentives, weak coordination, and lack of formal agreements were identified, although regression results indicated that these factors did not significantly predict preparedness collectively. Livestock farmers constitute a valuable resource for experiential agricultural education. Strengthening institutional frameworks, coordination, and policy support is necessary to convert existing preparedness into sustainable educational partnerships.