Analysis of Farmers’ Characteristics on Productivity of Commercial Broiler Production Units in Mukono District

Abstract

Poultry meat is one of the fastest growing components of Uganda’s meat production, consumption, and trade. However, it is estimated that more than 80 % of the small holder dominated sub-sector use traditional family-based production systems which limit production efficiency. This research analyzed the farmers’ characteristics and productivity of commercial broiler production units in Mukono District. Using a cross-sectional survey, 302 broiler farmers were randomly selected from five sub-counties of Mukono District. Data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics to characterize broiler farmers, whereas, ordinary least square regression analysis was carried out to assess factors affecting productivity of commercial broiler production units. Results showed that majority were males (53.31%) and married (92.72%). Most (60.26%) had primary as their highest level of education attained. The average age was 45 years with average household size of 7 members. Similarly; majority (91.04%) had land under poultry farming ranging from 0.25 to 3 acres. Feeds cost (P≤0.05), veterinary cost (P≤0.001), farmer’s level of education (P≤0.05), extension services (P≤0.001), age of a household head (P≤0.001), land ownership (P≤0.05), and labour type (P≤0.05), showed a positive and significant influence on productivity, whereas, poultry farming experience (P≤0.001), land under poultry farming (P≤0.001), distance to the nearest market (P≤0.05), and record keeping (P≤0.05), negatively and significantly influenced productivity. In conclusion, education level, land under poultry farming, and membership to a group were distinct among farmers who were productive and those that were not. Productivity of commercial broiler farming was majorly influenced by several farmers’ socio-economic characteristics.