An Overview of Traditional Small-Scale Poultry Production in Low-Income, Food-Deficit Countries

Poultry production is an activity that is engaged in by a majority of traditional small-scale farmers around the world. The percentage of participants engaged in this enterprise exceeds all those participating in other forms of domestic livestock production. Domestic fowl (“chickens”) are overwhelmingly the main species around the globe world but at least eight other species of bird are reared with regional preferences for one or the other type. A multitude of breeds or varieties are present within species which provide a genetic resource of truly inestimable value and whose genes need to be conserved for posterity. Output of live birds, meat and eggs is low in the mainly extensive or semi-intensive production systems but input costs (labour, feed and medicines) are also low. Poultry contribute to poverty alleviation, household food security, create opportunities for employment and are an asset that can be rapidly converted to income. Women and children are often the principal beneficiaries of small-scale production both as managers and owners. Housing is often rudimentary, the mainly scavenged feed is of inadequate quantity and quality and health interventions are minimal except for vaccination against the plagues of Newcastle Disease and Avian Influenza. Marketing of surplus birds or product sales is largely informal but the system is quite appropriate for the sector. Official policies relating to traditional production are often minimal. There are opportunities for improved production and thus for contributing to human welfare in training of owners in management and in improving nutrition and health of the birds.