Assessing the feeding practices of small scale holder poultry farmers on scavenging poultry in Kalaki district.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess poultry feeding practices, feed types, and demographic characteristics among small-scale poultry farmers in Kalaki District, Eastern Uganda, and to analyze their impact on productivity. Data were collected from 100 respondents through structured interviews and surveys. Age distribution revealed that the largest group of farmers (30.8%) were aged 41-50 years, with only 2.6% under 20 years old, indicating a potential future workforce gap due to low youth involvement in poultry farming. Gender analysis showed a predominance of male respondents (56.4%) compared to females (43.6%), a statistically significant difference (χ², p = 0.032), reflecting broader trends in gendered access to agricultural resources. Educational attainment varied: 28.2% of respondents had no formal education, while 23.1% held tertiary qualifications. Logistic regression analysis (p = 0.004) indicated that higher educational attainment significantly influenced the adoption of improved poultry management practices. Experience in poultry keeping was high, with 51.3% of farmers having more than six years of involvement, and chickens were the most commonly kept poultry type (61.5%). Feeding practices primarily relied on scavenging (74.4%), supplemented by semi scavenging (20.5%) and confined feeding (5.1%). ANOVA results (p = 0.041) indicated significant differences in productivity among these feeding systems. Grains such as maize and sorghum were the primary feed types (48.7%), and 71.8% of farmers supplemented their poultry's diet, mainly with protein sources. Supplementation showed significant impacts on flock health and productivity (χ², p = 0.019). Feeding frequency was typically once or twice daily (46.2% each), primarily in the morning (41.0%) and evening (35.9%). Key challenges included high commercial feed costs (33.3%) and a lack of knowledge regarding poultry nutrition (41.0%), with regression analysis (p = 0.014) confirming their significant impact on productivity. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the dynamics influencing poultry farming in Kalaki District through an integration of demographic, educational, and feeding practices. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational support and resource access to enhance productivity, which is crucial for improving food security in rural communities.