PERCEPTION OF THE QUALITIES OF LOCAL CHICKEN PRODUCTION AND MARKETING AMONG POULTRY FARMERS IN JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined the perception of the qualities of local chicken production and marketing among poultry farmers in Jigawa state, Nigeria. Data were collected using structured questionnaire administered to 120 local chicken farmers and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean age of respondents was 29years with the majority (77.5%) being female, (90.0%), Muslims and (73.4%) had no formal education. Also, 64.2% were married with the mean farming experience of 16 years and average monthly income of N10,000.00. The major source of stocking was through gift (71.7%), extension service delivery was low (10.8%) and (85.0%) engaged in the cooperative movement. High capital outlay (94.2%), high resistant to diseases and pest (90.0%), adaptability (85.0%) and profitability (76.7%) were among the perceived qualities of the local chicken. Farmers preference for local chicken include; cheap (91.9%), natural (85.8%), acceptable to all (84.2%) with a high content of vitamin A (77.5%). Major constraints were effects of middlemen (93.3%), predators (85.0%) and medication ignorance (85.0%). There was positive relationship between household size, educational level and average monthly income and the production of local chicken. This is thus, a challenge and an important call for effective extension service delivery. There is also the need for the provision of credit facilities for this category of farmers in the study area.