Scratching for a living

Most village chicken production systems are based on the indigenous or native domestic fowl and are characterized by low levels of inputs and outputs. But, in the past, the majority of poultry improvement programmes in developing countries have traditionally been directed towards the introduction of specialized or exotic breeds, crossbreeding and management intensification. Nevertheless, surveys in developing countries have shown that farmers have preferred to maintain their local stock, i.e. the village chicken, for social and economic reasons (see Naked necklines back in fashion).

Improving husbandry techniques

credit: Ministry of agriculture, water and rural development, Namibia

However, the management of village chickens is complicated by the presence of multi-age groups and high chick losses have been attributed to poor feeding, housing and health control practices. With no preferential treatment of the chicks, some starve to death because of high competition for the available scavenging feed resource. Outbreaks of Newcastle Disease (fowl pest) are the main constraint to village chicken production, causing fatalities of up to 100% (see Cracking down on Newcastle Disease). Provision of safe housing also avoids the high losses of chicks due to predation - another major cause of fatalities in young stock.

In Kenya a rural poultry improvement programme, which included a cockerel exchange component, resulted in progressive improvements over the years. The success achieved was attributed to the flexibility of the project and its incorporation of participatory approach techniques and an intensive training component. Another successful rural improvement programme, including disease control and training on hygiene, housing, feeding and marketing, is reported in Burkina Faso. This project is reported to have made great achievements and credit was given to the holistic approach followed and the support received from policy makers. In Asia, DANIDA-funded projects have helped thousands of women establish successful poultry businesses (see Moving up the Pecking Order) over the last decade.

A new direction

Learning from past experience, the International Network for Family Poultry Development (INFPD) has been set up to address all aspects of family-related poultry production in thirty countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Its main approach is to increase flock productivity instead of individual animal productivity and, as part of the FAO Special Programme for Food Security, it aims to diversify and develop poultry production, particularly for the poor. Activities are to include ducks (see Ducking the issue), guinea fowls, turkeys and pigeons (see Favouring the fowl?) as well as chickens and to encourage peri-urban poultry development. Women's groups are also to be given further support and training in recognition of the important contribution they make towards the successful development in backyard poultry production (see Bridging the gap).

Selected countries in Africa are already the target of a FAO/IAEA Co-ordinated Research Project (CRP) which is being supported by INFPD, particularly with respect to the dissemination of results. The first stage of the project has involved the collection of comprehensive production data to evaluate existing constraints in village poultry. The information will also be used to monitor flocks and interventions (e.g. vaccination against Newcastle Disease) used in the subsequent stages of the CRP. The Joint FAO/IAEA Division is to use its expertise in assisting African NARS to improve poultry disease diagnosis, disease control and laboratory standardization through the introduction of ELISA techniques (see 99-1 Focus On 'ELISA for diagnosing disease'). In addition, the Animal Production and Health Division of FAO is providing support for the identification of poultry production constraints and the implementation of an emergency prevention system (EMPRES) against Newcastle Disease.

Back to Menu