World's Poultry Science Journal

Table of Contents - December 2011 - Volume 67, Issue 04  

Small-Scale Family Poultry Production

Relevance of rural poultry production in developing countries with special reference to Africa

L.A.F. AKINOLAa1 c1 and A. ESSIENa2

a1 Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B.5323 Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

a2 Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Cross Rivers State University of Technology, Obubra Campus, Cross Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Poultry plays an important role in the livelihood of rural communities in developing countries. Rural poultry (RP) accounts for about 80% of the world's poultry stocks in many developing countries. Thus, RP production is a valuable asset to the local human population despite its relatively low productive performance of 40 to 60 eggs per year and 1.5 to 1.7 kg body weight at maturity. RP contributes significantly to rural livelihood and overall population well-being by providing cash income, satisfying religious and socio-cultural needs, utilising spare family time and satisfying the family's nutritional needs. Efforts are therefore needed from all stake-holders for active participation in RP, geared towards strengthening and improving the development of RP production which had continuously proved to be an effective tool in fighting poverty, providing food security and improving rural livelihood.

(Received January 20 2011)

(Accepted July 06 2011)

Key Words:

  • rural poultry;
  • marketing;
  • economics;
  • feeding;
  • diseases;
  • developing countries

Correspondence:

c1 Corresponding author: letorn_akinola@yahoo.com