A Poultry farmer, Mrs Azeezat Adekunle, has said challenges such as rising cost of feed and recurring bird diseases are threatening the sustainability of small poultry businesses. She said as a result of these factors, poultry farming is no longer lucrative like in the past,
Speaking with The Guardian, Adekunle lamented that maintaining the birds has become more difficult in recent time.
She said: “The cost of feed has gone up so much that I was forced to reduce the number of birds that I have.”
She said: “While higher prices mean better returns, they also reduce consumers demand, making it tougher to sell.”
Adekunle is not the only person affected by the challenges facing the industry; reports have it that across the country, the poultry industry is under heavy strain. Feed costs alone now account for as much as 60 to 70 per cent of the total production expenses. The price of a 25kg bag of premium feed has surged by double‑digits, while key raw ingredients like maize and soybeans have nearly doubled in price year‑on‑year
Power supply issues and high fuel cost has further weighed-in on farmers. With erratic electricity, many have to rely on diesel generators to power brooder units, just as fuel has shot up in price.
This year, small scale farmers’ profit margin has shrunk considerably, according to reports, and some estimates suggest that over 50 per cent of poultry farms across Nigeria closed down in 2023, with losses running into trillions of naira.
Additionally, farmers say they cannot freely set their own selling prices. Large processors often purchase birds at fixed rates and offer better feed deals to contracted farms, leaving smaller independent growers at a disadvantage.
These factors combine to create an unstable environment: rising input costs, fluctuating markets, and uneven support. Adekunle’s small‑scale farm is one snapshot of this broader trend.
She added that disease management is a constant battle, adding that sudden death of poultry birds is a big issue. “If you’re not careful with vaccination and hygiene, you can lose a whole batch,” she warns.
To prevent such losses, she advised farmers on regular vaccination schedules and the need to maintain a clean environment for their birds.
She noted that despite the obstacles and challenges, poultry farmers are still enjoying support to boost their business. “Yes, there is APPEALS project by the World Bank in conjunction with the Lagos State Government,” she confirms. This initiative aims to boost agribusinesses with financial aid and training, but many farmers still feel the support does not always reach them fully.”
Adekunle encouraged young people to consider the business, saying: “Start small, be patient, and learn the process. It may not be quick money, but with consistency, you’ll grow.”
