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

Cynthia Ebere Nwobodo, David John Okoronkwo (), Rita Ifeanyi Eze, Ada Maryrose Ozorngwu, Juliana Chinasa Iwuchukwu, Vincent Chukwuebuka Azuka and Charles Ekene Udoye
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Cynthia Ebere Nwobodo: Department of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu 410001, Nigeria
David John Okoronkwo: Department of Sustainability in Agriculture, Food Production and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), 2100 Godollo, Hungary
Rita Ifeanyi Eze: Department of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu 410001, Nigeria
Ada Maryrose Ozorngwu: Department of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu 410001, Nigeria
Juliana Chinasa Iwuchukwu: Department of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu 410001, Nigeria
Vincent Chukwuebuka Azuka: Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu 410001, Nigeria
Charles Ekene Udoye: Department of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu 410001, Nigeria

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 14, 1-16

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: sustainability; sustainable production; poultry farming; environmental sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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