As more poultry owners struggle to stay afloat in the country, farmers at the Aiyedoto Poultry Farm Estate, Ojo, Lagos State, have called for community backing and government’s support to stay in business.

The farmers identified soaring cost of feeds, drugs, theft, lack of government support and low patronage owing to dwindling purchasing power as challenges facing their operation, forcing many to abandon the business entirely.

Prince Iregbona, who manages his mother’s poultry farm in the estate, while lamenting the development, said these challenges have led many farmers to heavy debt.

According to him, the pathetic situation has also made many farms to be susceptible to outbreaks of diseases such as, bird flu and other conditions like coccidiosis and low castrol diseases. Iregbona described how these outbreaks could wipe out entire flocks, leading to substantial financial losses.

“When diseases hit, it’s a disaster,” he said. “You can lose everything if you don’t monitor and control it properly.” Iregbona, who manages his mother’s poultry farm in the estate, while lamenting the development, said it has put many farmers in debt.

“When diseases hit, it’s a disaster,” he said. “You can lose everything if you don’t monitor and control it properly.” He highlighted instances where workers stole eggs or mishandled birds, leading to preventable losses. “Some workers are not honest,” he said. “They steal eggs or don’t handle the birds properly, and it affects the business.” To address this, he stressed the importance of family involvement in farm management to ensure accountability.

“When family members are involved, you have more control and trust,” he added.

“It’s difficult to make a profit when you’re spending so much.” A veteran in poultry business, Mrs Chidiogor Nwagbo, echoed same sentiment, noting that high cost of drugs prescribed by veterinarians often lead farmers to opt for lower-quality alternatives, which most times, compromise bird health and productivity.

“You go to the veterinarian to get a prescription, but the drugs are so costly,” she said. Nwagbo shared a frustrating experience from a past bird flu outbreak, during which the government promised compensation that never materialised.

“They said they would help us, but we didn’t hear anything from them,” she recalled. “Many farmers stopped because of that.” Another farmer in the estate, Mr. Evaristus Mbama, who revealed the depth of these struggles and resilience required to remain in the business, said most farmers settle for low-standard feeds and drugs just to keep going.

He highlighted how the broader economic challenges in Nigeria exacerbate the issues. “The economy of the country makes it harder,” he said. “Materials and feeds are expensive, and there’s no support from the government to cushion the losses.”

He stressed that lack of financial assistance has driven many of his colleagues out of the industry, leaving only those with strong determination to continue.

Mbama also mentioned the impact of diseases like coccidiosis, which can spread rapidly and decimate flocks. He emphasised the need for consistent monitoring and preventive measures, such as vaccinations and biosecurity protocols, to mitigate these risks.

He, however, said the high cost of these measures further strains farmers’ limited resources, adding that theft and workers mismanagement of resources also add to their woes beyond external challenges.

The Guardian’s investigations showed that despite these challenges, some farmers at the Aiyedoto farm estate remain committed to the industry, driven by passion and community support.

“This business is very good when you have people who support you,” Nwagbo said. “Once you have passion for it, you can’t get tired. It’s lucrative because you get money from sales every day.”

Her optimism underscores the potential rewards of poultry farming, even in the face of adversity. To overcome the challenges, Iregbona emphasised the need for proper monitoring and disease control measures, such as regular veterinary checkups and adherence to biosecurity protocols. He also advocated for greater family involvement to reduce theft and mismanagement.

On his part, Mbama advised new farmers to be patient and consistent, acknowledging that challenges are inevitable but surmountable with dedication. “You will face issues, but you must stay focused,” he said. Nwagbo urged the government to follow through on promises of support, such as compensation for losses due to disease outbreak.