Safaa Dakhil^1*, Ibrahim Saqr¹ and Rabab Absi²

¹Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Lattakia, Lattakia, Syria.

² Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Animal Production Department, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Safaa Dakhil, E-Mail: safaadakhil5@gmail.com).

Received: 19/ 07/ 2025                 Accepted: 3/ 09/ 2025

Abstract

The objective of this study is to assess the level of awareness among cattle farmers in Latakia Governorate regarding the importance of converting agricultural residues into unconventional feed, as well as to analyze the personal and professional factors influencing such awareness.The study was conducted in 2024 using a structured field questionnaire distributed to a random sample representing 5% of the total cattle farmers in the governorate. The final sample consisted of 385 farmers, distributed across four main districts: Central Latakia, Jableh, Qardaha, and Al-Haffa.Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS and Excel software, employing descriptive methods (means, frequencies, and Likert scale), One-Way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient to test the research hypotheses. The internal consistency of the instrument was verified using Cronbach’s Alpha, which .The results revealed that the overall level of awareness among farmers was moderate, with a tendency toward the lower end, particularly in practical aspects, despite a relatively better theoretical understanding of the concept. Statistically significant correlations were found between awareness level and several factors, including educational attainment, number of cattle owned, and access to agricultural information sources. However, no significant relationship was found with age or landholding size.The study recommends strengthening agricultural extension services and implementing hands-on training programs to enhance farmers’ awareness and technical capacity in utilizing agricultural waste for low-cost feed production.

Keywords: Cattle Farmers, Agricultural Residues, Unconventional Feed.

Full paper in Arabic: pdf