Analysing production and financial data from farmers can serve as a tool for identifying opportunities for enhancing extension delivery among the rural poultry sub-sector in Zambia

Abstract

There are limited data on production and financial performance of the rural poultry sector in developing countries like Zambia that could be used by extension services as a feedback loop to enhance service delivery in the sector. Thus, a study that used production and financial data obtained from poultry farmers of Eastern Zambia was conducted to describe the rural poultry sub-sector and conduct financial analysis. It compared the financial performance of indigenous chicken production to broiler and layer production. The aim of the study was to identify opportunities and knowledge gaps among poultry farmers that could be used to initiate and enhance a participatory extension approach and build capacity of farmers in the sector. Descriptive, spatial, gross margin and breakeven analysis was used to analyse data obtained from 459 rural poultry farmers and expert opinion from 5 local extension workers. Poultry ranked highest in terms of popularity and numbers when compared with other animals kept by respondents (median = 20). Most poultry were kept under free-range and brood an average of 3.1 clutches. Except for annual set up costs, some variable costs and household poultry consumption, the study could obtain data on most production costs and income generated from poultry farmers. Nevertheless, gross margin analysis conducted using costing data from poultry farmers and expert opinion of extension workers revealed that indigenous chicken enterprises had the highest gross margin percentage of 72% compared to commercial broilers and layers which had gross margin percentages of 53% and 56% respectively. Breakeven analysis revealed that indigenous chickens required the lowest number of products to be sold (27) to realise profit compared to broilers (1011) and layers (873). The study justifies investment into the rural poultry sub-sector and discusses the use of gross margin templates as a means of incentivising rural farmers to participate in extension programmes.

Determinants of livestock species ownership at household level: Evidence from rural OR Tambo District Municipality, South Africa

“…This was followed by cattle (22%), sheep (17%), goats (16%) and pigs (14%). Chickens are strategic rural livelihood assets owned by almost everyone (Fotsa 2008;Mubamba et al 2018;Conan et al 2012) with multiple socio-economic benefits (Guèye 2005;Moges 2010) and they are highly adaptable to local conditions (Mubamba et al 2018;Akinola and Essien 2011). This is in line with South Africa's General Household Survey (2019) estimates that indicate that poultry (chicken) production comprises 67.4% of the agricultural production activities in the Eastern Cape Province.…”

An analysis of factors that determines the choice of indigenous chicken (IC) owned by rural households in Alice Communal Area, South Africa

“…Despite the claimed benefits, the production of indigenous chickens in rural areas is very low (Mazimpaka et al, 2018). Some households in rural areas do not own indigenous chickens (Makaya et al, 2012), despite their low cost of production (Mahoro et al, 2018;Mubamba et al, 2018), adaptability to local conditions and nutritional value -protein source (Idowu et al, 2018). The demand for indigenous chicken eggs and meat is generally assumed to be high due to taste, flavour and aroma (Bett et al, 2013;Escobedo del Bosque et al, 2020).…”

“…The production of poultry in Africa plays a vital economic role for both rural and urban dwellers; it is practised by the majority of the rural population (Conan et al, 2012;Fotsa, 2008;Mubamba et al, 2018). Literature is awash with the importance of indigenous chickens (ICs) to rural, urban and suburban families in developing countries, including household consumption, scaling down malnutrition, providing extra income, socio-cultural practices, employment creation, reducing poverty reduction and promoting gender equality (Guèye, 2005;Moges, 2010).…”

“…Other challenges that derail indigenous chicken production include but are not limited to lack of capital investment, disease outbreaks, predators, thieves, lack of proper housing and information on poultry rearing (Mahoro et al, 2017;Moussa et al, 2019). Notwithstanding these challenges, indigenous chicken breeds are tolerant of extreme environments, show disease resistance, have high genetic diversity for several traits and require fewer production inputs than commercial and exotic poultry breeds (Akinola and Essien, 2011;Mubamba et al, 2018).…”

Yam production in some South East and North Central zones of Nigeria beyond COVID-19 for acceleration towards inclusive sustainable development

“…In many African countries, substantial efforts are needed to sustain and accelerate agricultural development for improving productivity beyond COVID-19. Small-scale farming has been pinpointed to be a crucial avenue for inclusive economic development for rural communities (Mubamba et al, 2018). While there is a consensus that smallholder producers play important role in the production system, they face many socio-economic and cultural constraints (Dagbelou et al, 2021).…”