Economics of backyard poultry production in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the economic analysis of backyard poultry production in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to examine the socio-economic characteristics of poultry farming, determine the profitability of backyard poultry production, and identify its constraints. Primary and secondary data were collected during the study; primary data through personal interview with the respondents (farmers), using well-structured questionnaire. The simple random sampling method was used to select the farmers that were interviewed. Descriptive statistics such as tables, frequency distribution, and percentages were used to present the socio-economic characteristics of the poultry farmers. Gross margin analysis was used to determine the profitability of backyard poultry production in the study area. The analysis showed that 40 per cent of the respondents were males and 60 per cent were females. The average age of the respondents was 36 years, and the average years of schooling was 9. Also, the average household size was six persons. The study showed that backyard poultry production (layers) is a profitable venture in the area, with a net profit of N271.95 ($2.36) per bird. The major constraints in the study area were labour and finance. The study concluded with suggestions for increasing the productivity of poultry production in the study area in particular and in Nigeria as a whole.