Knowledge Capabilities for Sustainable Poultry Production in Sub-Sahara Africa: Lessons from Southeast Nigeria

• Published in: Sustainability Vol. 15; no. 14; p. 11174
• Main Authors: Nwobodo, Cynthia Ebere, Okoronkwo, David John, Eze, Rita Ifeanyi, Ozorngwu, Ada Maryrose, Iwuchukwu, Juliana Chinasa, Azuka, Vincent Chukwuebuka, Udoye, Charles Ekene
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.07.2023
• Subjects: Agriculture; Climate change; Economic growth; Eggs; Environmental conditions; Environmental protection; Farmers; Farms; Farmworkers; Feeds; Food security; Households; Hypotheses; Knowledge; Livestock; Livestock farms; Poultry; Poultry industry; Public health; Social sustainability; Sustainable development; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; South Africa; United States > US; Africa
• DOI: 10.3390/su151411174
• ISSN: 2071-1050

The poultry industry in sub-Saharan Africa faces significant sustainability challenges associated with social equity, economic stability, and environmental degradation. As the sector expands due to population and income growth, a major concern remaining is how to ensure a sustainable future for the industry. This paper assessed the knowledge capabilities of poultry farmers for sustainable production using southeast Nigeria as a model region for all riparian regions in sub-Saharan Africa. Sixty poultry farms and 180 participants were sampled. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources, including relevant literature, participant observations, and in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed with the percentage, bar chart, regression, and Pearson Moment Correlation. Findings revealed that only 13.9% of the respondents had a high knowledge of environmental sustainability. The number of years spent in school (t = 1.992; p = 0.048), access to veterinary service (t = 2.161; p = 0.032), and membership in a social organization (t = 2.306; p = 0.022) were socio-economic factors that significantly influenced knowledge capabilities. Knowledge (r = 0.252; p < 0.005), rather than income, significantly influenced the use of sustainability practices. Low knowledge of sustainability practices could mean a gross violation on the part of farmers. Specialized programs for educating poultry farmers on the realities of the environmental impacts of their livelihood are paramount.