Women Participation in Poultry Production. The Case of Ada’a, Lume and Akaki, East Shewa, Ethiopia (Published)
Women play essential roles in agriculture; providing inputs, working in the farm, generating off-farm income and doing the unpaid house chores, but often the gains go to the husband and children. Ethiopia is representative of countries where village poultry plays a dominant role in total poultry production. women generally contribute more labor inputs in areas of feeding and grazing of cows, watering, manage vulnerable animals (calves, small ruminants, and sick, injured and pregnant animals), cleaning of barns, dairy-related activities (milking, butter and cheese making), gathering and making dung cakes, transporting farm manure, egg collection, and sale of egg/poultry, than men and children. However, few recognitions have been given to women’s contribution to agricultural production. The study was aimed to assess the level of women participation in poultry production. The study went further to identify access and benefit of women from poultry products. Data was collected using semi- structured interview and analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The study found that house construction was the only activity in which women participation is less than their men counter parts. Women take part in all activities concerning poultry production. Majority of the respondents 86.7% carried out watering poultry and collecting eggs followed by house cleaning 80% and recording events 80%. Taking products to market, selling products and holding money from poultry product sale are the major activities done by women by 73.3%. Based on results further researches need to be done in order to magnify the contribution of women in agricultural production.
Keywords: East Shewa, Ethiopia, Participation, Poultry, Women
Effects of Improved Practices on Poultry Production in Ogun State (Published)
This study examined the Effect of Improved Practices on Poultry Production in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study was based on primary data obtained in a cross-section survey of 120 respondents drawn by multi-stage random sampling across communities the Local Government Areas (LGAs). Trained enumerators, that personally administered questionnaires/interview schedule, were employed in collecting the study data. The study data were analysed by descriptive techniques. Descriptive techniques including construction of frequency distribution, computation of descriptive statistics (mean, standard errors, etc) were used to analyse socio-economic characteristics of the farm households. Evidence from the findings shows that majority (96.8 per cent) of the sampled rural farm households, and by extension, rural farm households in the study area have the age of their household heads (farmers) falling between 31 and 60 years. Majority (94.2 per cent) of the household heads were married as expected. Majority (92.5 percent) of the household heads possess some formal education, which is predominantly at the primary and/or secondary level; an appreciable level of illiteracy exists among the respondents. It is also worthy of note that most (67.5 per cent) of the households’ heads have farming as their main occupation. A typical household in the sample is made up of 4-6 members. The result shows that farmers having 11-15 years poultry farming experience constitutes majority of the respondents having 47.05%The coefficient of income and religion are statically significant and positive in determining the level of awareness of the farmers in the study area. The measures of performance indicate that poultry production in the study area is viable and profitable. Only educational level and number of extension contact are statistically significant in determining the level of output of the poultry production in the survey area. The following are recommended for high production and improved profitability level of poultry in the study area; Poultry egg producers in the study area should also be encouraged to engage more in the rearing and production of Layers in order to develop egg production. Therefore, government policies should also be concentrated on encouraging farmers in investing more in Layer birds and make them understand the profitability of poultry eggs and its positive effect on the economy.
Keywords: Feed. Profit, Poultry, Production, Seeds