PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF POULTRY PRODUCTION IN AMHARA REGION, ETHIOPIA: A CASE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Poultry production in tropical countries is based on the traditional scavenging system and chickens are the most important poultry species. The poultry industry in Africa has grown and developed steadily over recent years. This study was conducted to assess the problems and prospects of poultry production in Gondar Zuria Woreda in north Gondar zone of Amhara Region by using semi structured questionnaire, field visit and interview from 150 selected respondents. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics for quantitative data and narrating and description for qualitative data. The result revealed that majority of the respondents share the same room with the family, the main constraints were flock mortality due to Newcastle diseases, predator like Buetorufofusces, supplementary feed shortage unable to get access to credit and training service unable to used improved breed. The farmers use traditional medicine to treat chickens. The main prospect of poultry production is market access, training service and easy of management. Improving the management practice, poultry breeds and educating framers are viable options to improve the livelihood of the households.