Socioeconomic Factors, Information Sources and Constraints in Small Scale Broiler Production in Enugu East Senatorial Zone of Enugu State

Abstract

The study examined the socioeconomic factors, sources of information, constraints, and improvement strategies in small-scale broiler production in Enugu East Senatorial Zone of Enugu State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 90 broiler farmers, and were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule. Percentage, mean score, and standard deviation were employed in data analysis. The results showed that broiler production is dominated by economically active farmers, with a mean age of 45.56 years and average farming experience of 7.63 years. Female farmers constituted the majority (82.2%), and household labour (92.2%) was the primary source of farm labour. Farmers relied predominantly on informal information sources, particularly personal experience (100%), fellow farmers (97.8%), and input dealers (98.9%). Major constraints included high cost of feed (𝒙̅ = 4.00), high cost of day-old chicks (𝒙̅ = 3.96), high cost of medication/treatment (𝒙̅ = 3.96), poor access to credit (𝒙̅ = 3.72), and inadequate extension contacts (𝒙̅ = 3.64). Key improvement strategies identified were provision of credit (𝒙̅ = 3.90), increased extension services (𝒙̅ =
3.80), timely access to disease management information (𝒙̅ = 3.74), subsidised feed (𝒙̅ = 3.67), and improved veterinary services (𝒙̅ = 3.51). The study concludes that although small-scale broiler farming has the potentials for enhancing broiler production, its performance is constrained by interrelated financial, institutional, and technical challenges. Addressing these constraints by government through integrated policy and institutional support is essential for improving productivity in broiler production.