DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY, ABRAKA

FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

AN ASSIGNMENT ON THE TOPIC

THE IMPACT OF POULTRY PRODUCTION TOWARDS POVERTY ALLEVIATION

IN NIGERIA

BY

ENAKPOGBE ELIJAH OGHENERO

FMS/21/22/282300

UNIT: POULTRY
COURSE CODE: CES 311

AUGUST, 2023

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INTRODUCTION

Layer farming and broiler farming are two primary methods of poultry production, each with its
distinct focus and purpose.

LAYER FARMING:

Layer farming is the practice of raising hens specifically for egg production. These hens, known
as "layers," are selected and bred for their ability to lay a high number of eggs consistently. The
main goal of layer farming is to efficiently produce eggs for consumption or commercial
purposes. Proper nutrition, suitable housing, and appropriate lighting are essential factors in
ensuring the health and productivity of layers. Layer farming requires careful management to
maintain egg quality, monitor laying rates, and provide a comfortable environment for the hens.

BROILER FARMING:

Broiler farming involves the rearing of chickens with the primary aim of producing meat. These
chickens, called "broilers," are bred to grow rapidly and efficiently convert feed into muscle
tissue. Broiler farming focuses on achieving maximum meat yield in a relatively short period,
typically around 6-8 weeks. Specialized feeding programs, controlled housing conditions, and
vigilant disease management are crucial aspects of successful broiler farming. The emphasis is
on achieving optimal growth and carcass quality to meet the demand for poultry meat.

Both layer and broiler farming are essential components of the poultry industry, catering to the
demand for eggs and meat products worldwide. The choice between these methods depends on
market demand, resource availability, and the specific goals of the poultry producer.The
objective of poverty and malnutrition alleviation cannot be pinned down by a single peg. No
single effort will achieve a major impact in isolation. However, poultry has shown to offer a
practical and micro level step in alleviation of rural poverty. There is evidence that investments
in small scale poultry farming generate handsome returns and contribute to poverty reduction
and increased food security in regions where a large share of the population keeps some poultry
birds (Jensen and Dolberg 2003; Mack et al 2005; Pica Ciamarra and Otte 2010). In Nigeria,
about 83% of rural households are estimated to keep flocks of 1 to 20 birds (Gondwe and Wollny
2002).

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Although there is no universal definition of poverty, everyone seems to agree that it exists when
one or more persons fail to attain a level of well-being deemed to constitute a reasonable
minimum by the standards of that society (Ravallion 1993). This situation , which has been
ascribed in some quarters to production failure owing to a suppression of markets and in some
other quarters to distributional failure (Dasgupta 1998), is characterized by disease, low life
expectancy, and physical and mental retardation. Therefore, for any effective plan to reduce
poverty, the poverty dynamics of the population has to be understood.

Area specific empirical evidence on poverty dynamics among small scale farmers and how
poultry production affects poverty is imperative for appropriate policy choices, program or
reform management towards welfare shift in rural agrarian economy like Nigeria. This evidence
is brought on surface by estimating the dimensions of poverty among small scale farmers and
determining the impact of poultry production on poverty among small scale farmers in Mzimba
district

Poultry Farming in Nigeria

Poultry farming is the raising of domesticated birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese,
for the purpose of farming meat or eggs for food. . More than 50 billion chickens are raised
annually as a source of food, for both their meat and their eggs. Chickens raised for eggs are
usually called layers whilst chickens raised for meat are often called broilers. Poultry industry
which provides cheap source of animal protein has taken a quantum leap in the last three decades
evolving from a near backyard practice to a venture of industrial promotion. Poultry is one of the
fastest growing segments of the agricultural sector in India today. While the production of
agricultural crops have been rising at a rate of 1.5 to 2 percent per annum that of eggs has been
rising at a rate of 8 percent per annum. India is on the world map as one of the top five egg
producing countries with 55.6 billion eggs produced during 2008 (FAO). Poultry egg and meat
are important sources of high quality proteins, minerals and vitamins to balance the human diet.
Specially developed breeds of egg type chicken are now available with traits of quick growth and
high feed conversion efficiency. Depending on the farm-size, layer -farming that can be the main
source of family income or can provide income and gainful employment to farmers throughout
the year. Poultry manure has high fertilizer value and can be used for increasing yield of all
crops. Commercial hens usually begin laying eggs at 16–20 weeks of age, although production

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gradually declines from approximately 25 weeks of age. This means that in many countries, by
approximately 72 weeks of age, flocks are considered economically unviable and are slaughtered
after approximately 12 months of egg production.

Poultry farming in Nigeria produces essential food sources as well as the industry uses. Poultry
products are rich in minerals, protein, carbohydrates and vitamins. With an expanding middle
class and an improvement in the rural economy, the demand for meat and nutrition is increasing
each year. The poultry industry intertwines with human lives and people’s livings. The poultry
industry can aid in the production of vaccines and fertilizers for industrial uses, and provide
preservatives for semen storage as therapeutic uses, ink for printers and adhesives and feathers
for pillows, mattresses and cushions.

In addition, the business of poultry farming in Nigeria opens up job opportunities for locals and
improves its economy and living conditions. The jobs provided have a wide range of
responsibilities from workers to supervisors and security guards to managers. It is a job that
requires patience and challenges such as low stocks and high costs. However, Rasheed said that
his poultry was “a very large one and contributed to the development of Lagos State and in turn,
the government has been receiving our contributions” which also improves Nigerian Gross
Domestic Profit (GDP).

A study that the Nigerian Agricultural Journal published conducted a questionnaire to examine
the importance of poultry to farmers and economic development. Respondents acknowledged
that poultry farming has contributed significantly to poverty alleviation and helped reduce the
unemployment rate. It also improves the standard of living of farmers as well as the level of
income of farmers.

ANALYZING POVERTY ALLEVIATION AS IT CONCERNS POULTRY FARMING

Estimates have determined that Nigeria will reach 95 million people living in poverty in 2022. In
order to lift people out of poverty, poultry farming in Nigeria is a lucrative business with a
promising prospect; the country has the most significant number of chickens in Africa and the
largest annual egg production. In 2019, poultry farming contributed 25% of Nigeria’s
agricultural GDP. Additionally, its business provides a major source of protein from ducks,
turkey and quails to broiler chickens.

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The impact of poultry production on poverty alleviation in Nigeria is substantial, contributing
significantly to improving livelihoods, generating income opportunities, and enhancing food
security for millions of people across the country. Poultry farming, encompassing the production
of chickens, ducks, turkeys, and other poultry species, plays a crucial role in Nigeria's
agricultural sector and economy as a whole. Some of the positive impact of poultry production
on poverty alleviation in Nigeria:

1. Employment Generation: Poultry farming provides employment opportunities for a

large number of people, including farmers, farmworkers, distributors, marketers, and
retailers, particularly in rural areas where job opportunities may be limited. By engaging
in poultry production, individuals can earn income to support their families and improve
their standard of living, thereby reducing poverty levels.

2. Income Diversification: Poultry farming allows small-scale farmers and rural

households to diversify their income sources. Many individuals engage in poultry
production alongside other agricultural activities or non-farm occupations, thereby
reducing their dependence on a single source of income and mitigating the risk of income
fluctuations due to factors such as seasonal variations and market dynamics.

3. Food Security and Nutrition: Poultry products, including meat and eggs, are important
sources of protein and essential nutrients in the diets of Nigerians. By producing poultry
products locally, Nigeria can reduce its reliance on imported food items and enhance food
security for its population. Access to nutritious food contributes to improved health
outcomes, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women,
thereby reducing the prevalence of malnutrition and related health issues.

4. Empowerment of Women and Youth: Poultry farming often provides opportunities for
women and youth to participate in economic activities and gain financial independence.
Women, in particular, play significant roles in poultry production, including rearing
chickens, selling eggs, and managing poultry enterprises. By empowering women and
youth economically, poultry production contributes to gender equality and youth
empowerment, which are essential components of poverty alleviation efforts.

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 5. Rural Development: Poultry farming stimulates economic growth and development in
rural areas by creating market opportunities, stimulating local entrepreneurship, and
fostering community development initiatives. Investments in poultry production
infrastructure, such as hatcheries, feed mills, and processing facilities, contribute to the
development of rural economies and improve access to essential services and
infrastructure in rural communities.

The Importance of Poultry Farming in Nigeria

Poultry farming in Nigeria produces essential food sources as well as the industry uses. Poultry
products are rich in minerals, protein, carbohydrates and vitamins. With an expanding middle
class and an improvement in the rural economy, the demand for meat and nutrition is increasing
each year.

The poultry industry intertwines with human lives and people’s livings. The poultry industry can
aid in the production of vaccines and fertilizers for industrial uses, and provide preservatives for
semen storage as therapeutic uses, ink for printers and adhesives and feathers for pillows,
mattresses and cushions.

Youth Empowerment in Poultry Farming

With a youth unemployment rate that was 53% in 2020 in Nigeria, poultry farming is a resource
that could generate millions of youth employment in the country. Youth entrepreneurship
programs and consistent investments are also a way to use its potential.

Agricorp International, a fast-growing food processing and Export Company invested 4 billion
Nigerian nairas into the poultry industry in Nigeria in 2021. According to the Vanguard, the
investment could “provide direct and indirect employment for an estimated 100,000 Nigerian
youths by 2025.” Besides its investment, the company also established its poultry developmental
program “Project Eclipse 2025.” Its aim is to assist Nigerian youth in developing skills and
management for poultry farming.

Poultry farming in Nigeria expands job opportunities for locals including youth across the nation.
It provides different types of uses in food, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. This business
paves the way to a better future for Nigerians by improving the economy and living conditions.

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Across regions, poultry production is quickly becoming more intensive, geographically
concentrated, vertically integrated and linked with global supply chains. In many countries,
commercial broiler production is characterized by the contract growing system. In such system,
production units are owned and operated by contract growers, who are typically supplied by an
integrator with the chicks, feed and medication they require, and are paid according to their
production and production efficiency. The grower’s contract is essentially a means of cost- and
risk-sharing with the integrator. The grower benefits from economies of scale and reduced
transaction costs, and also reduces the risks associated with large price fluctuations. The
integrator gains the opportunity to be more flexible in adjusting the production volumes in
response to changes in the season or in domestic or export demand. Contract growing provides
employment and income opportunities for smaller poultry producers, but countries need to
establish regulations that prevent contract growing from facilitating the introduction of negative
externalities to growers, poultry workers, local communities and the general public.

Despite these rapid structural changes, small family poultry flocks still represent a vital source of
income for poor rural households. Poultry production is generally considered as supplementary
to other livelihood activities, but poultry is actually a form of saving and insurance, and
contributes to income diversification. Birds can easily be sold for cash (poultry is often described
as farmers’ “petty cash”) and serve as a buffer against shocks such as bad harvests. As poultry
flock grows, surplus birds may be bartered for goats, thus further improving a poor family’s
livelihood and food security. In Senegal, for instance, a small goat is worth five to six hens.
Bartering poultry is common in economies with currencies that are unstable or scarce.

In conclusion, the implementation and expansion of poultry farming in Nigeria have the potential
to address poverty by creating income opportunities, improving nutrition, empowering women,
enhancing agricultural sustainability, fostering entrepreneurship, reducing import dependency,
and promoting rural development.

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 REFERENCES

Gondwe and Wollny (2002). High Bird Flu In Africa After

OutbreakInNigeria”.http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2006/100022

Ravallion (1993) The role of family poultry in poverty alleviation, food security and the
promotion of gender equality in rural Africa. Outlook on Agriculture 29(2), 129-136.

Regmi, E.F. (2001). The role of networks in information dissemination to family poultry
farmers.World’s poultry science journal, 65, 115-123

Dasgupta (1998). Poultry Production as an Important Component of Nigeria’s Livestock

Subsector. A Training Manual, National Training Workshop on Poultry Production in
Nigeria in NAPRI, ABU, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria.

Federal Ministry of Agriculture Water Resources and Rural Development (1998). Agricultural
Policy for Nigeria” FMARRD Publications.

Akanni, I.A. (2007). Effect of microFinance on Small Scale Poultry business in South Western
Nigeria. Emirate Journal of Food and Agriculture, 19(2), 38-47.

Alders R (2004). Poultry for profit and pleasure. FAO Diversification Booklet 3, Rome.