Profitability of broiler chicken production in Kawempe division, Kampala city

Abstract

Broiler chicken farming is one of the lucrative enterprises contributing to an increase in animal protein supply and farmer income. The aim of the study was to assess the profitability of broiler chicken production in Kawempe Division, Kampala City. The study targeted 100 broiler farmers in Bwaise, Kazo, Kawempe 1 and Mpererwe wards. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires, and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Stata software. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize broiler farmers and the results show that females (60%) were more than males (40%) with an average age of 42 years. The average education years attained by the respondents was 11.34 years (S.4). Majority had an average experience of more than 10.4 years in broiler production. Gross margin analysis was used to determine the profitability of the enterprise, and multiple linear regression to determine the factors that influenced profitability. The results show that broiler chicken production was profitable with average gross margin of UGX 1,171,180. The major variable costs included cost of chicks, feeds, vaccines, litter, disease control and transportation with an average of UGX 5,217,570. The average revenues were UGX 6,388,750. The multiple linear regression revealed that the variables age, sex, education level and distance to the trading center had a significant influence on gross margins. Major recommendations of the study are government should subsidize on farm inputs, farmers should put in place disease control measures and finally government should ensure more extension services as this will all help farmers to increase on farmer’s profits.