Assessment of the importance of keeping indigenous chicken breeds to farmers’ livelihoods in Asamuk sub county, Amuria district.

Abstract

This study’s main objective is to assess the importance of indigenous chicken production on farmer’s livelihood in Asamuk sub county, Amuria District. This study will use a cross-sectional design to collect data from rural households and communities using survey and ethnographic study approaches. While the survey component was crucial in gaining a deeper understanding of the extent of contribution of indigenous birds to farmer’s livelihoods. A Total of 104 household’s members will be interviewed and one respondent represented each household. In addition, 03 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) conducted, including several key informant interviews. The results indicate that indigenous poultry is a major component of rural livelihoods in Amuria district, Asamuk sub County where at least each homestead keeps indigenous chicken. A large percentage of poultry farmers are women since men usually leave poultry farming to women and children because of the perception that poultry farming is a minor and not benefitting men’s efforts. This implies that women play a significant role in poultry keeping and as a result, poultry contribute directly to household food security and the wellbeing of children. In all areas villages visited, Household interviews show that majority of respondents obtained food, household items and consumables, such as source pans, paraffin, etc. from selling poultry. In some instances, respondents reported converting poultry into other large domestic animals, such as exchanging chicken for goats. Based on findings from this study, we suggest some policy recommendations. First, we recommend policy interventions in the indigenous poultry sector in Asamuk Sub County in order to enhance the benefits of indigenous poultry in farmer’s livelihoods. There should be public information and education programs on indigenous poultry production. There is need to form indigenous poultry clubs and associations for formal institutional set ups, such as task forces to fight disease outbreaks but should also use informal institutions, such as village community organizations to spread the message. Here, the important message is that it is easier to manage groups than scattered individual farmers. Finally, there should be an increased investment in research and development through introduction of multi-disciplinary approach to research about the role of indigenous poultry in farmer’s livelihoods.