Nigeria’s poultry farming sector loses more than half of its farmers in one year

Nigeria’s poultry industry faces a severe crisis as more than half of the farmers exit the business due to the harsh economic conditions in the country, according to the General Manager of Obasanjo Farms, Dr. Ariyo Eyitayo Olusegun.

Dr. Olusegun, who spoke with some newsmen in Ilorin, expressed his worries about the future of the poultry business and the livestock sector in general.

He said, “The poultry business is very challenging and unpredictable in Nigeria. In the past two years, we have been struggling with the rising cost of inputs, which we cannot pass on to consumers.

“This has forced many poultry farmers, especially the small-scale ones, to quit the business. I can tell you that we have lost over 60 percent of poultry farmers in the industry in the last twelve months.

“Only large-scale farmers like us can survive somehow because we have access to funds,” he stated.

He noted that poultry is still the main source of animal protein in Nigeria, but lamented that the business is not regulated.

He said, “We need the government to intervene and support the poultry industry, which is feeding the nation. The government should revive the school feeding programme, which was very helpful to the farmers.

“The government should also regulate the business and protect the local farmers from unfair competition and importation. The poultry industry is not a money-making venture; it is a service to the nation.

“The profit margin is very slim, and a slight mistake can ruin your business.”

He advised the Nigerian farmers to remain steadfast and hopeful. “They should not give up on the business because of the current challenges. They should hold on to their sweat and not let others take over their hard work. The livestock industry is not stable; it has its ups and downs,” he concluded.