Guinea fowl (Numidia meleagris) production by small-holder farmers in Zimbabwe.

Abstract

Guinea fowls are a source of high-value meat and eggs, and the birds are more disease resistant than other types of birds. A survey was conducted in ward 23, Chipinge district, Zimbabwe, to characterise guinea fowl management practices and to identify constraints and potential opportunities for increased guinea fowl productivity. Purposive sampling was used to select 84 out of possible 252 guinea fowl owners. Data were collected by direct observation on guinea fowl varieties, feeding strategies and housing facilities. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on farmer experiences, perceptions and common challenges encountered. A chi-squared test was conducted using the IBM SPSS Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. The study revealed that famers keep guinea fowls under free-range management. The average production indices were flock size 18±12, egg production 89±50, hatchability 63.8% and keet survival rate of 75%. Approximately 42.9% of the farmers provide supplementary feed albeit not systematically. There was a significant association between provision of supplementary feed and keet survival rate (χ 2=21.600, df=2, P<0.016) as well as provision of housing and flock size (χ 2=38.508, df=3, P<0.018). The housing provided was substandard. Major challenges faced by farmers were predation, low hatchability and lack of access to profitable markets. The provision of supplements and better housing for birds could improve guinea fowl productivity.