Abstract:
A study on free-range poultry production constraints was conducted at six randomly selected villages in Lamit,Lugwar and Pajimo parishes of Labongo Akwang sub-county, Kitgum district One hundred and two rural households were interviewed using a set of questiormaires as well as self-observations for the collection of data. Data was analyzed using Microsoft office excel and presented in the form of pie charts, graphs and tables. The study indicated that almost all farmers (90%) in Akwang S/C kept nondescript local birds under scavenging system with chickens dominating: the population by 94%, followed by 3.6% pigeons, 1.5% ducks, 0.7% turkeys, 0.2% guinea fowls and no other birds were kept. Free-range, system was commonly practiced by farmers in all the villages with 90% local breeds of poultry being preferred by the farmers. A family usually keeps a variable. number of birds but 22 on average and mainly for their meat and eggs as well as being valued in religious and cultural life. The production system was found to be appropriate because birds make the best use of locally available resources. Females contributed significantly the highest percentage of the farmers with 61% versus 39% males.
The study results on the major constraints of free-range poultry production revealed that 49% diseases notably Newcastle disease that was the most serious health problem followed by predation 21.8% while, poor feed supplementation, inadequate housing, market constraints, poor breeding stock, tough weather, taboos and prohibition, lack of capital, lack of technical knowledge, poor record keeping were equally important problems. The study results on educational level revealed that those who failed to study (11%) and those who merely attained primary education (68%) did not practiced good management aspects concerning free-range poultry production if compared to those who studied secondary (18%) and tertiary institutions (3%). Farmers in Akwang sub-county need to be provided with informal and formal education so as improve their poultry production. The Government and NGOs should introduce improved breeding program providing credit health care facilities, establishment of reliable markets, predation control, supplementary feeding, housing, taboos and prohibitions are suggested for the, development of poultry production.
