Poultry farming in Kenya is a growing industry. More families are trying to raise poultry to meet their food needs. They can also earn some income by selling eggs. Poultry farming in Kenya has been growing dramatically since the turn of the millennium. To get started, you need to know a few basics.
Is Poultry Farming in Kenya Worth it?
There are many benefits to poultry farming in Kenya. You can choose the type of birds to farm and your kind of farming. In Kenya, poultry farming can be done with various birds, but chicken farming is the most common. These chickens are favoured for consumption and have a faster maturity time. They are also less expensive, making them a good investment for any new business.
Kenya’s agriculture industry is vital, especially in rural areas. Food shortages persist across the country. While several trade agreements are in place, Kenya continues to face supply deficits in the food sector. In particular, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC) provide instruments for countries to limit imports of sensitive commodities. In addition, the government continues to practice subsidies in its seed and fertilizer systems.
The government has proposed several interventions in the poultry and livestock sectors. The Draft National Poultry Policy of 2009 and National Livestock Development Policy of 2008 are expected to boost development efforts and strengthen collaboration between different players in the industry. The poultry policy focuses on strategies to commercialize indigenous poultry. The procedure will target producer groups.
Benefits of Poultry Farming
Poultry farming is a lucrative and profitable business in Kenya. It also provides employment and foreign currency for local people. It improves the quality of life of those living in rural areas. In addition, poultry farming provides a high-quality food source for residents. The export of poultry products also helps raise the standard of living in these areas.
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There are three basic types of poultry farming in Kenya. They include intensive, medium, and free-run systems. The intensive type of poultry farming uses meshed cages and sloped floors that enable droppings to fall to the floor. In addition, the cages are provided with feeders and water through an overhead nipple system. The eggs laid in this system are collected on a conveyor belt.
The intensive nature of poultry farming is associated with high mortality rates. These deaths are significant losses for large-scale farmers. The methods for disposing of dead birds have also become controversial. Environmentalists argue that these methods can pollute soil and underground water systems. Therefore, many countries have banned this method. To combat the problem, farmers must purchase disposal equipment.
Before beginning poultry farming, you must find a piece of land in a rural area. The land should have a safe environment for the animals. Ideally, it will be near a farm. If you have sufficient land, you can build a permanent farm on the land.