Poultry farming has become one of the most important agricultural activities in Nigeria today playing a significant role in the development of the economy by ensuring food security, generating income and employment opportunities especially in the rural areas.
In this writeup, we will take a holistic look at a brief history of small scale poultry farm in Nigeria, Importance of small scale poultry farm in Nigeia, challenges and opportunities of starting a small scale poultry farm in Nigeria.
Brief History of Small-Scale Poultry Farm in Nigeria
The history of small scale poultry farming in Nigeria can be traced back to the early 1950s when the poultry industry began with small backyard flocks.
These local or village poultry provided food security and supplied income for smallholder farmers through the sale of eggs and chickens.
Commercial poultry farming began in the early 1960s with the establishment of large government and institutional poultry farms across the country.
However, smallholder poultry production still dominated the industry at this time.
The introduction of exotic poultry breeds from Europe and America in the late 1960s – early 1970s led to the gradual upgrading of local flocks and rapid expansion of small-scale commercial poultry.
Improved management practices and incorporation of exotic genes resulted in increased productivity.
By the 1980s, smallholder poultry farms accounted for over 80% of poultry production in Nigeria.
Poultry farming was seen as an attractive economic activity for smallholder farmers looking to improve their income and livelihoods.
The small-scale poultry subsector has continued to show steady growth over the decades.
Currently, small-scale poultry represents about 60-80% of the national poultry production in Nigeria.
There are over 200 million chickens being raised by rural poultry farmers across the country.
Small-scale poultry farming remains a major source of income and food in many rural communities of Nigeria
The small-scale poultry industry in Nigeria is dominated by indigenous chicken breeds reared under the extensive system with little or no inputs.
However, an increasing number of smallholder farmers now practice semi-intensive rearing of improved breeds targeting increased productivity.
Overall, small-scale poultry farming remains a vibrant subsector contributing significantly to national poultry output, food availability and security.
It also provides income generation and gainful employment for many Nigerians especially rural smallholder farmers.
Importance of Small-Scale Poultry Farm in Nigeria
Small-scale poultry farming is very important to Nigeria for the following reasons:
Food Security
- Small-scale poultry provides an important source of animal protein for both rural and urban households through increased production and supply of poultry meat and eggs.
- Poultry meat and eggs are affordable sources of protein compared to other livestock products like beef, making them important to food and nutrition security.
- With Nigeria’s rapidly growing population, small-scale poultry is key to meeting the high demand for animal protein.
Income Generation
- Small-scale poultry farming provides employment and income for many Nigerians especially rural farmers, youth and women.
- The sale of chickens, eggs and other poultry products provides regular cash income for farm households.
- Poultry farming requires low startup capital making it easily accessible to resource-poor smallholder farmers.
- The short production cycles allow for quick returns on investment thereby improving livelihoods.
Employment Opportunities
- Small-scale poultry farms provide employment to family labour as well as hiring of external workforce.
- The poultry value chain also provides job opportunities in input provision, marketing, transportation, processing etc.
- Rural and peri-urban youth can engage in poultry to earn income rather than migrating to cities.
Women Empowerment
- Poultry farming is an attractive undertaking for rural women as it can be carried out close to or within homesteads.
- Income from poultry allows women to effectively participate in household financial decision making thereby empowering them.
Rural Development
- Growth of small-scale poultry farming stimulates rural economies through demand for inputs, services and other support infrastructure.
- Poultry farming integrates well into smallholder crop-livestock systems through use of crop by-products.
- Commercialization of rural poultry production can lead to wider multiplier effects in rural areas.
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Opportunities in Small Scale Poultry Farming
Despite the challenges faced in the Nigerian poultry industry, small-scale poultry farming provides immense opportunities for increased productivity, profitability, and improved livelihoods when carried out properly.
Some of the major opportunities include:
- Huge Market Demand – The domestic demand for poultry products including eggs and meat continues to rise driven by population growth, rising incomes and urbanization. This provides a ready market.
- Competitive Advantage – Small-scale family poultry farms have a competitive edge due to low overhead costs compared to large integrated farms.
- Enabling Environment – There are favourable government policies, training and extension services as well as availability of technologies to enhance productivity of smallholder poultry.
- Value Addition – Opportunities exist for small-scale farmers to add value by processing, packaging and directly marketing their poultry products to consumers.
- Linking to Markets– Emergence of structured market linkages through contracting, producers organizations and out-grower schemes provides market access.
- Improved Technologies – Innovations in housing, feeding, healthcare and genetics can significantly increase productivity in small-scale flocks.
- Integration with Crops – Smallholder farmers can take advantage of integration with crop farming through use of crop by-products for feeding and manure for fertilization.
- Credit Support – Increased availability of micro-credit and rural finance for poultry agribusiness through government initiatives and private sector involvement.
- Training – Technical skills of smallholders can be upgraded through training programs, extension services and networks for improved management.
- Partnerships – Strategic public-private sector partnerships provide opportunities for smallholder farmers to access vital inputs, services, finance and markets to scale up productivity.
How to Get Started with Small-Scale Poultry Farming
Starting a small-scale poultry farming requires careful planning and preparation before obtaining the birds.
The major steps involved include:
Step 1: Gain Basic Knowledge and Training
- Learn about poultry production by reading books, attending seminars or getting mentorship from an experienced farmer.
- Get training on aspects like housing, feeding, healthcare, and business management to gain technical competence.
- Visit nearby poultry farms to gain practical first-hand experience. Start with a small flock to learn before expanding.
Step 2: Choose a Niche Poultry Product
- Decide whether you want to focus on eggs, meat/broilers, indigenous or exotic breeds based on market demand.
- Consider supporting services needed for each type before choosing a niche e.g hatcheries for broilers or egg trays for layers.
Step 3: Select a Suitable Location
- Locate the farm close to the target market, feed supplies and with good access roads.
- Ensure adequate space away from human dwellings to avoid disease risks and complaints.
- The site should have access to water, electricity as well as good drainage and ventilation.
Step 4: Prepare Housing and Infrastructure
- Construct appropriate housing for the poultry type and flock size e.g deep litter or battery cage system.
- Install necessary equipment like feeders, drinkers, perches, nest boxes etc.
- Build ancillary infrastructure like storage facilities, drainage, security fence, water and electricity connections.
Step 5: Buy Healthy Birds
- Obtain day-old chicks or pullets only from reputable hatcheries to ensure quality.
- Buy vaccinated and disease-free birds with proper documentation.
- Ensure all-in-all-out restocking to break disease cycles.
- Stock the right breeds suited for your product objectives e.g broilers or layers.
Step 6: Get Inputs and Supplies
- Identify reputable vendors and arrange to purchase feeds, vaccines, medications and other farm supplies.
- Buy clean water tanks and proper feeding equipment.
- Stock up on litter material, disinfectants and poultry records notebook.
Step 7: Organize Labour Requirements
- Plan for and hire qualified personnel e.g farm manager and attendants based on your flock size.
- Train the workers thoroughly on feeding, health management and biosecurity measures.
- Draw up a clear schedule and description of duties for each personnel.
Step 8: Plan for Feed Requirements
- Get advice on feed rations formulation from your feed supplier or nutritionist.
- Ensure you have enough storage capacity for bulk purchase of feeds.
- Identify suppliers for special feeds like chick mash, growers mash and layers mash.
Step 9: Arrange Marketing Channels
- Identify your target market segments and establish linkages before commencement.
- Develop marketing strategies like sales contracts with egg traders, institutions etc.
- Plan transport logistics to get your product to markets in good condition.
Step 10: Comply with Regulations
- Obtain all necessary permits and licenses from government departments and agencies before start up.
- Take all steps to ensure the farm location and operations comply with environmental, health and other regulations.
Tips for Poultry Housing and Infrastructure
Proper housing and infrastructure is key to successfully raising a healthy and productive poultry flock. Here are useful tips:
Poultry House
- Orientate the house to allow maximum natural light and ventilation but minimize direct drafts on birds.
- Ensure spacious, well-ventilated house with allowance of 3 square feet per bird.
- Use appropriate litter material like wood shavings not wood dust to absorb moisture and allow dust bathing.
- Have proper insulation and heating during cold seasons and cooling for hot seasons.
Nest Boxes
- Provide individual nest boxes for egg-laying chickens measuring at least 12x12x12 inches.
- Place nests in a secluded area and on the ground for food security. Use clean, dry litter as nesting material.
- Allow 4-5 hens per nest box. Reduce floor eggs by having adequate, comfortable nests.
Feeders and Drinkers
- Use tube or trough feeders allowing 1.5-3 inches of space per bird. Raise feeders as birds grow.
- Provide bell drinkers or nipple drinkers – allow a minimum of 1.5-2 drinkers per 100 birds.
- Keep feeders and drinkers clean and free from sharp edges to prevent injury.
Ventilation
- Site poultry house to ensure cross ventilation through side openings, roof ridge opening and end windows.
- Use of free ventilation maintains oxygen levels and reduces heat, humidity, odors and levels of gases like ammonia.
- Install exhaust fans, air vents and tunnel ventilation where natural airflow is inadequate.
Lighting
- Use a minimum intensity of 1 watt per 3-5 square feet floor space. Provide both natural and artificial lighting.
- Have a daily light period of 16-17 hours for egg layers and 23 hours for broilers to maximize feed intake and growth.
- Use bulbs that provide the full spectrum of light including ultraviolet. Incandescent or LED bulbs are ideal.
Sanitation and Hygiene
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene on the farm to prevent disease outbreaks.
- Remove wet litter immediately and apply new dry litter frequently. Disinfect equipment and house after every flock.
- Foot baths, protective clothing and proper disposal of dead birds limit contamination. Monitor rodents and wild birds.
Poultry Feeds and Feeding
Feed accounts for up to 80% of production costs in poultry farming. Good quality feed and proper feeding is therefore crucial.
Types of Poultry Feeds
The main types of poultry feeds include:
- Chick mash – fed to chicks from day old to 8 weeks. High protein content for growth.
- Growers mash/pellets – fed to pullets and cockerels from 8 to 18 weeks for continued growth.
- Layers mash/pellets – fed to laying chickens from 18 weeks onwards. Rich in calcium for eggshell formation.
- Broiler starter/finisher – fed to broiler birds with high energy and protein content for rapid meat growth.
- Grit – provides calcium, salt and minerals especially for free range chickens.
Feed Management Tips
- Store feed properly away from moisture and vermin
- Provide feed continuously. Allow 3-5% more than normal intake to minimize competition.
- Avoid sudden changes in feed type or brand. Introduce new feed gradually.
- Clean feeders and drinkers regularly and disinfect weekly.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for amount and feeding timetable.
- Keep records of feed intake and growth to determine cost effectiveness of feeds.
- Work closely with nutritionists to formulate cost effective rations using available feed resources.
Health and Disease Management
Disease is one of the major challenges affecting small-scale poultry farming. Good health management is required for flock survival and productivity.
Common poultry diseases
- Newcastle disease
- Infectious bursal disease (Gumboro)
- Coccidiosis
- Fowl typhoid
- Fowl pox
- Infectious coryza
- Avian influenza
- Helminthosis (worms)
- Ectoparasites (mites and lice)
Disease prevention
- Source disease-free birds from reputable hatcheries/farms only
- Implement strict biosecurity measures like foot baths and farm sanitation
- Proper housing and reduce overcrowding
- Vaccinate birds appropriately against common diseases
- Use only quality feeds and clean water
- Limit contact with wild or migratory birds
- Monitor for signs of ill health and promptly isolate sick birds
- Avoid mixing birds from different flocks or sources
Disease management
- Isolate and confine outbreaks during disease epidemics
- Consult vet quickly on diagnosis and best treatment
- Safely administer vaccinations and medications as required
- Improve biosecurity protocols during disease outbreaks
- Cull and dispose infected birds properly to control spread
- Disinfect housing and all equipment thoroughly after outbreak
- Report notifiable diseases immediately to veterinary officials
Good Health Practices
- Maintain strict hygiene and biosecurity on the farm
- Follow appropriate vaccination schedules for flock
- Use proven antibiotics, antivirals or anthelmintics only when necessary
- Ensure adequate ventilation and dry litter
- Avoid overcrowding and stress
- Provide balanced nutrition and clean drinking water
- Monitor birds daily and take prompt action on sickness
- Record bird mortality and bring in post-mortems
- Seek technical advice from vet experts on health issues
Effective Marketing and Sales Strategy
A good marketing strategy is key to success and profitability in small-scale poultry farming. It enables the sale of products at fair prices and build customer loyalty.
Identify and understand customers
- Conduct market research to identify potential customers and their needs
- Categorize target buyers into segments eg households, food vendors, supermarkets
- Find out customer preferences for product features like size, packaging etc
Competitor analysis
- Identify existing and potential competitors
- Analyze their products, prices, promotions, distribution etc
- Identify areas where you have an advantage over competitors
- Adapt strategy to differentiate your product from competitors
Pricing
- Set competitive prices based on production costs plus a profit margin
- Research buyer willingness to pay and competitors pricing
- Adjust prices for seasonal fluctuations and during festivals or events
- Offer discounts or sales promotions during low demand periods
Product promotion
- Create brand name, logo and label that resonates with customers
- Design attractive packaging that maintains product quality and safety
- Use promotional materials like brochures, posters and social media
- Offer free samples to generate new sales leads
- Take advantage of local poultry exhibitions and trade fairs
Distribution channels
- Sell directly to customers at the farm gate and local markets
- Supply to hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and food processors
- Partner with dedicated egg and poultry traders for bulk sales
- Negotiate supply contracts with institutional buyers like schools
- Explore eCommerce and online product delivery platforms
Customer service
- Build long-term relationships with customers through excellent service
- Be polite, honest and reliable in all customer interactions
- Ensure timely deliveries and consistent product quality
- Handle customer complaints and issues promptly and professionally
- Request customer feedback to improve products and service
Sales records
- Issue printed receipts for every transaction
- Keep detailed sales records using logbooks and accounting software
- Track credit sales and amounts owed by buyers
- Analyze sales data to identify growth trends and areas needing improvement
Networking and partnerships
- Network with other local farmers and poultry industry players to share knowledge
- Join poultry farmer cooperative societies and associations
- Partner with hatcheries, veterinarians, processors and transporters
- Collaborate with researchers, extension agents and agribusiness consultants
Overcoming Challenges and Maximizing Profits
Small-scale poultry farmers face various challenges that hinder profitability. However, these can be overcome using the following strategies:
Challenges
- High cost of feeds
- Lack of finance and high interest rates
- Poor access to inputs and technologies
- Inadequate technical skills
- Poor housing and management practices
- Disease outbreaks and high mortality
- Poor marketing and sales channels
- Competition from large commercial producers
- Predation and theft
Strategies to Overcome Challenges
- Formulate own quality feeds using locally available materials
- Reduce production costs through efficiency and scale
- Form savings and credit cooperatives to access affordable loans
- Acquire technical training and remain up-to-date on best practices
- Construct proper housing and effectively manage flocks
- Rigorously apply biosecurity, vaccination and treatment programs
- Develop business linkages with major buyers through contracts
- Differentiate your product by superior quality and customer service
- Install secure fences and night shelters to protect from predators
Maximizing Profits
- Choose profitable niche like egg production or broiler rearing
- Maintain optimum flock size in line with available resources
- Ensure high productivity using improved breeds and technologies
- Minimize costs by preparing own feeds, procuring cheaper inputs
- Add value to products through grading, packaging and branding
- Sell directly to customers to earn full retail prices
- Practise record keeping to identify most profitable enterprise components
Success Stories and Lessons Learnt
There are many examples of Nigerian small-scale poultry farmers who have built highly successful enterprises.
Their stories inspire and provide valuable lessons for new entrants. Here are two success stories:
Case Study 1: Wale Agro Farm
Wale Adeniyi is the founder of Wale Agro Farm located in Oyo State. He started the poultry farm in 2008 with just 50 Indigenous chickens in his backyard. Wale had difficulty accessing formal credit to expand his business due to lack of collateral.
He then joined a government initiated cooperative society for small poultry farmers which enabled him to access agricultural loans at low interest rates. He used the credit to construct poultry houses and purchase hybrid broiler chicks.
Over the years, Wale has steadily expanded his flock size. He now rears over 10,000 broilers per cycle with an average productivity of 2.2 kg live weight in 6 weeks using specially formulated rations.
Wale has a ready market for his broilers which are sold at premium prices due to their superior quality compared to competitors.
He also sells poultry feeds, vaccines and other inputs to neighboring farmers which provides an extra income source. Wale now employs six workers and the business has enabled him to educate his children through university.
Key lessons:
- Start small and reinvest profits into expansion
- Join farmer cooperatives to access vital services like credit
- Build your technical expertise continuously through training
- Maintain high standards of feed quality and flock husbandry
- Adopt technologies to improve productivity and product quality
- Develop market linkages and loyalty based on superior products
Case Study 2: Maxibelle Farm Enterprises
Maxibelle Farms located in Lagos State specializes in egg production using modern deep litter housing system. The farm is owned by Mrs. Beckley Aboderin who started with 500 day-old pullets in 2013. She faced problems like high feed costs and mortality which hindered her growth.
She then took several strategic steps that transformed her business. She formulated her own quality feed using locally sourced materials that significantly cut costs.
She intensified biosecurity and achieved excellent flock health status by consistently applying vaccines and prompt treatment.
Mrs. Aboderin installed automatic egg collection systems that reduced labour and minimized cracks and contamination.
By maintaining excellent egg production rates of around 300 eggs per hen, she supplies major supermarkets and food companies in Lagos under contract.
Recently, the farm started value addition by grading, packaging and directly selling eggs at premium retail prices.
The business now earns a healthy profit which the management reinvests to install solar power and further upgrades like cage egg production. She plans to expand her flock to 20,000 layers which can generate even higher income.
Key lessons:
- Formulate cost effective feeds using locally available materials
- Maintain very high standards of biosecurity and flock health
- Install labour saving technologies like automatic egg collection
- Process and package eggs to earn premium prices
- Supply products to bulk buyers under contract
- Continuously reinvest profits into upgrading your farm
The Need for Government Support of Small Scale Poultry Farming
For sustained growth of small-scale poultry farming in Nigeria, increased government support is required in areas like:
Formulation of Enabling Policies
- Develop policies that enhance private sector participation through public-private partnerships
- Introduce tariffs and trade policies that protect local producers from dumping of cheap frozen poultry imports
- Strengthen veterinary services and regulatory framework for health certification
- Facilitate formation of producers cooperatives to access inputs, services and markets
Investment in Infrastructure
- Improve rural road network and transport infrastructure for market access
- Support private hatcheries and breeding farms to increase day-old chick supply
- Establish disease-free zones, testing laboratories and quarantine stations
- Construct satellite poultry estates with factory space and support facilities
Provision of Extension Services
- Expand national agricultural extension system to reach smallholder poultry farmers
- Facilitate farmer training programs and field demonstrations
- Support NGOs and CBOs involved in rural poultry development initiatives
Access to Credit
- Expand microfinance credit schemes tailored for small poultry enterprises
- Establish insurance products to safeguard smallholders against disease epidemics and losses
- Administer small grants and subsidized loans through community banks
Research and Development
- Conduct research to adapt technologies on issues like housing, feeds and genetics
- Disseminate research findings and improved practices to end users
- Support innovative private sector models that engage smallholders
Marketing and Value Addition
- Construct rural poultry product collection centers with cold chain facilities
- Promote farmer cooperatives and contract farming linkages with buyers
- Develop standards for processed poultry products to access niche urban markets
Final Thoughts
Small-scale poultry farming will continue playing a vital role in Nigeria’s economy into the foreseeable future.
With the right policies and support, smallholder poultry has immense potential for increased productivity, food security, employment generation and improved rural livelihoods.
The success stories and lessons highlighted demonstrate that with proper planning, hard work and perseverance, building a successful small-scale poultry farming venture is an achievable dream.
