[01] R. A. Oluwafemi, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria.

This study was carried out to understand the socio-economic characteristics of village poultry farmers and challenges associated with poultry production in Ovia North east local Government area of Edo State, Nigeria. A total of sixty four respondents were randomly selected from five villages/Semi-urban Centres within the study area. Structured questionnaires were administered to collect data on this study. Sixty six percent of the farmers were 35 years and above. Seventy eight percent were female while twenty-two percent were males. The study also revealed that majority of the village poultry farmers was married. Ninety three percent of the respondents are involved in the free range system while sixty five market their poultry in the village market. Eighty four percent of the respondents engage in village poultry as addition to their main occupation, hence the small flock size in which only 16% of the farmers had eight and above. Marketing problems were confirmed by the entire respondent, ranging from transportation to price bargaining in the market. Other challenges mentioned by the respondents include; lack of information about high producing breeds, veterinary/extension services, agricultural loans and poor rural infrastructures among others. All the respondents agreed that village poultry production is profitable and it has the potentials for economic empowerment, food/nutrition security and sustainable rural development if major challenges are addressed. Therefore, effective implementation of policies and strategies that will address the challenges outlined in this study should be given due consideration if Nigeria’s vision 20, 2020 is to be achieved.

Village Poultry Production, Village Poultry Farmers, Constraints, Edo State, Nigeria

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