Evaluation of the impact of HPAI on family poultry production in Africa

Abstract

Throughout the African continent the keeping of poultry by local communities has been practised for many generations. These birds currently make up more than 80% of the continent's poultry flock. Family poultry (FP) is a valuable asset to local human populations as it contributes significantly to their livelihoods and overall well-being, especially in disadvantaged groups and less-favoured areas of Africa. In many households, poultry are managed by women, children and vulnerable people (e.g. old and disable persons). The recent outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Africa are of major concern. The paper stresses the multiple roles of poultry at household, community and national levels. The impact of HPAI on FP production is also explored.