An analysis of indigenous chicken value chain (ICVC) in Makueni
Abstract
The indigenous chicken (IC) population in Kenya is estimated at 25.8 million birds and constitutes
81% of the total poultry population. The IC sub-sector contributes to food and nutrition security,
income and social-cultural roles in majority of resource-poor rural households. These dual-purpose
birds are raised under free-range management systems with minimum production inputs. The average
productivity for the national flock remains low at about 60 eggs per hen per year. With increasing
preference for white meat and quality range chicken, new concerns on biosafety of IC products have
emerged. The scavenging system allows IC to access feed from different environments including
those polluted with various contaminants. This paper reports on early findings of a project undertaken
to evaluate and subsequently enhance the IC value chain (ICVC) in Makueni. In Makueni county a
region with 65% poverty level, the ICVC has been identified as a major vehicle for poverty alleviation.
Indigenous chicken are the main livelihood enterprise and household bank, and ranked amongst
the most desired technologies for drought mitigation in the region. The binding constraints in the
ICVC are low productivity, lack of organized market and small flock sizes that curtail the enterprise
viability. These challenges limit the opportunities for competitive market participation in a scenario
where emerging niche urban markets are experiencing gaps in supply of quality IC. Besides low
genetic potential, the major primary factor adversely affecting IC performance is poor feeding where
birds scavenge with minimal supplementation. The growth rate of birds is therefore slow, leading to
delayed sexual and body size maturity. Products of IC are of low quality with sub-standard carcass
and small eggs. The above factors together with poor disease control, limit the expansion of flock
sizes. Enhanced value in terms of quantity and quality of IC requires suitable interventions at various
levels of the value chain. Data from Makueni indicates that adoption of producer level interventions
would enhance flock sizes from the current household average of 15 birds to a range considered
viable at 35-50 birds. Establishment of local hatcheries needs to be encouraged for supply of quality
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chicks. Availability of cost effective, IC specific feed supplements and suitable bio-security measures
would significantly enhance productivity and bio-safety aspects. Proper flock planning and linking
producer groups to terminal markets can significantly improve market participation and increase
gross margins.