Risk management strategies among poultry (broiler and layer) farmers in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study aims at analyzing risk management strategies among poultry farmers in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria.  Specifically, it identifies the types of risk encountered, management strategies adopted and factors influencing the risk reduction of  output of poultry production. The study employed a multistage random sampling procedure to select 90 poultry farmers from 6  communities in Calabar Municipality. Data were obtained from primary sources and collected through the aid of a well-structured  questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, such as frequency counts, mean, table, percentages and ordinary least square multiple regression analysis. The result showed that 64% of the total respondents were males with a mean age of  43 years and the mean income of the poultry farmers was 464,722 naira. High cost of labour, lack of finance, breakdown of feeding  system and poor weather condition were found to be the most severe risk encountered by poultry farmers in the study area. The study  also revealed that the risk management strategies mostly adopted by the poultry farmers were fencing, netting/wiring, proper feed  quality, good ventilation, maintenance of good hygiene, proper vaccination, active power supply, off-farm investment and enterprise diversification. The result of the multiple regression model showed that educational level, annual income, household size and number of  birds were statistically significant, hence variables affecting poultry farmer’s risk management in the study area. Based on the findings of  the study, it was therefore recommended that poultry farmers should be involved in enterprise diversification to enhance their  productivity and income.