Poultry Farming In West Africa
Poultry farming in West Africa is a vital component of the region's agricultural sector, contributing significantly to food security and economic development. The industry is predominantly characterized by small-scale, family-run operations, with limited large-scale commercial production.
- Centers of Excellence: The Regional Center of Excellence on Poultry Science (CERSA) in Togo collaborates with universities and the private sector to promote research, knowledge sharing, and industrialization of poultry farming in West and Central Africa.
- Training and Capacity Building: Programs focusing on improving feed quality, vaccination, disease control, and biosecurity are being developed to enhance the skills of smallholder farmers and extension personnel.
- Food Security: Poultry products, including eggs and chicken meat, are rich sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals essential for human health. They help combat malnutrition and support balanced diets.
- Employment Opportunities: The poultry sector creates jobs across the value chain, from hatchery operators to feed suppliers, veterinarians, and market vendors.
- Economic Growth: It contributes to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of West African countries, stimulating local economies and reducing dependency on imports.
- High Cost of Feed: Feed constitutes about 70% of production costs, and fluctuations in prices affect profitability.