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Author
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Madyira, Tauya
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Title
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An Analysis of the value chain and profitability for small-scale indigenous chicken production in Bindura district, Zimbabwe
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Abstract
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Indigenous chicken production plays a critical role in the livelihoods.This researchinvestigates the indigenous chicken production, aiming to identify challenges, map the value chain, assess economic contributions, and determine factors influencing profitability. The study employs a descriptive survey research design, with data collectedthrough questionnaires, key informant interviews, and observations. A sample of 80 farmers is randomly selected from the population, while key informants are purposively sampled based on their expertise and involvement in indigenous chicken farming. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and gross margin analysis are utilized to analysethe data and draw conclusions.The findings reveal significant challenges faced by indigenous chicken farmers in Bindura district, including high mortality rates, costly vaccination programs, limited market access, and fluctuations in feed and labourcosts. Agricultural markets, middlemen, roadside sales, and farmgate sales are identified as primary market channels, highlighting the importance of market access for farmers. The findings of the study revealed several significant variables influencing the profitability of indigenous chicken production in Bindura district. Regression analysis identified feed costs (B = 3.085, p = 0.032), labourcosts (B = 0.656, p = 0.055), vaccine costs (B = 0.024, p = 0.008), and mortality rates (B = 0.091, p = 0.011) as significant predictors of profitability, underscoring the need for efficient resource management and disease control measures. Moreover, recommendations are formulated to address the identified challenges and enhance the profitability and sustainability of indigenous chicken production. These recommendations include implementing effective disease management strategies, improving market access, capacity-building initiatives, promoting own feed formulation methods, and supporting research and innovation efforts.In conclusion, this dissertation provides valuable insights into the indigenous chicken production sector in Bindura district, Zimbabwe, offering recommendations for policymakers, extension workers, and indigenous chicken farmers to enhance the resilience and profitability of the sector. By addressing the identified challenges and implementing the proposed recommendations, stakeholders can promote sustainable and inclusive growth in indigenous chicken farming, contributing to poverty alleviation, food security, and rural development in the region.
Key words: Profitability Return on Investment Regression, Indigenous Chickens, Value Chain
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Date
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October 2024
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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Indigenous chicken production
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Indigenous chicken profitability
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Indigenous chicken value chain
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Supervisor
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Dr L. Musemwa
Madyira - AEM.pdf