Sustainable indigenous chicken farming practices in Uganda
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Indigenous Chicken Production Systems in Uganda: Free-Range and Scavenging Practices
In Uganda, indigenous chicken farming is predominantly based on free-range or scavenging systems, where chickens are allowed to roam and forage for food, with only occasional or seasonal feed supplementation. This approach is widespread, with over 90% of farmers using it, and is valued for its low input costs and reliance on the chickens’ natural ability to find food and resist diseases 14. Chickens are mainly kept for household income, food, and cultural purposes, with eggs used for both consumption and hatching 134.
Flock Management and Dynamics: Sustainability Challenges
Flock sizes in Uganda vary, but the average household keeps between 14 and 30 birds, including hens, cocks, and chicks. Flock dynamics are influenced by seasonal factors, disease outbreaks, predation, and theft, which can lead to significant fluctuations in flock numbers throughout the year 134. The main constraints to sustainable production include high disease incidence (especially Newcastle disease), predation, low productivity, and limited access to markets and management information 14.
Disease Management: Traditional and Modern Approaches
Disease is a major challenge for sustainable indigenous chicken farming. Most farmers experience outbreaks, with Newcastle disease being the most common and economically damaging. Many rely on indigenous herbal treatments for disease control, while others use vaccination and improved management practices when available 16. Training farmers in disease prevention, vaccination, and the use of local medicinal plants is seen as essential for improving flock health and sustainability 16.
Integrated and Circular Economy-Based Farming Systems
Recent research highlights the benefits of integrating indigenous chicken farming into broader, circular economy-based systems. These integrated models connect chicken production with crop and livestock farming, recycling waste and resources to minimize environmental impact and improve food security. Such systems can enhance productivity, reduce waste, and create more resilient and sustainable farming operations . The integration of forward and reverse value chain linkages is key to achieving sustainability and scalability in indigenous chicken farming .
Genetic Diversity and Conservation for Long-Term Sustainability
Uganda’s indigenous chickens display significant genetic and phenotypic diversity, which is crucial for their adaptability, disease resistance, and resilience to local conditions 347. Preserving this diversity is important for future breeding programs and for maintaining the sustainability of indigenous chicken farming. Strategies for conservation include selective breeding, community-based management, and the protection of rare or endangered strains 47.
Socioeconomic Factors and Commercialization
While indigenous chicken farming is profitable for many smallholder farmers, commercialization levels remain low due to challenges such as small flock sizes, limited access to extension services, and poor market infrastructure. Increasing flock sizes, improving disease management, and providing targeted extension services can help boost profitability and sustainability . Group marketing and cooperative approaches also support commercialization and income generation .
Recommendations for Sustainable Indigenous Chicken Farming in Uganda
- Promote integrated and circular economy-based farming systems to enhance resource use and reduce waste .
- Support disease management through vaccination, training in indigenous medicine, and improved husbandry practices 16.
- Preserve genetic diversity through community-based conservation and selective breeding programs 47.
- Strengthen extension services and farmer training to improve management, marketing, and productivity 15.
- Encourage group marketing and cooperative models to increase commercialization and farmer incomes .
Conclusion
Sustainable indigenous chicken farming in Uganda relies on a combination of traditional free-range practices, integrated farming systems, effective disease management, and the conservation of genetic diversity. Addressing challenges such as disease, predation, and market access, while promoting innovative and integrated approaches, can help ensure the long-term sustainability and profitability of indigenous chicken farming for Ugandan households 1234567.
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