Constraints to Smallholder Turkey Production in Zuru Emirate, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the constraints to smallholder turkey production in Zuru Emirate of Kebbi State, Nigeria. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and eighty seven (187) turkey producers from four Local Government Areas of the Emirate. Primary data were collected using interview schedule. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics. Result revealed that an average turkey farmer is male, aged between 31 and 40 years, attended up to tertiary institution. Majority are civil servants, married, with a household size of about 1-5 persons, with average monthly income of N31, 728.34 and has about 1-5 years’ experience in turkey production. The result also identified seven constraints associated smallholder with turkey production in the study area, they include high cost of feeds, low demand for turkeys, inadequate capital, high cost of poults, disease incidence, mortality rate and theft and predators. Result further indicated that high cost of feeds (78%), low demand for turkeys (37.9%) and inadequate capital (29.9%) were the major constraints facing smallholder turkey production in the study area as it is ranked first. As a way of minimizing cost, it is recommended that smallholder turkey farmers in the study area should learn how to formulate their feeds and utilize local feed stuffs. Low demand for turkeys and the seasonality of the sales of turkeys discourage many potential farmers. Awareness on the importance of turkey meat for household consumption should be stressed through various extension channels to stimulate demand for turkey products this will in turn stimulate production. Turkey farmers in the study area should form cooperative society to enable them have easy access to credit facilities from financial institutions, acquisition of inputs at a subsidized rate and other forms of assistance from the government.