The adoption of small-scale poultry farming has gained momentum as an important source of income generation among many African rural communities including Kenya. Recently, small-scale poultry farming has been recognized as a pathway to reduce poverty in marginalized communities in Kenya.
Why the adoption of small-scale poultry farming.
Due to the limited employment opportunities, the Kenya government and NGOs are on the front line sponsoring the adoption small-scale poultry farming in marginalized communities as a means of job creation and help alleviate the poverty left of these communities. In addition, poultry farming is also aimed at alleviating malnutrition, providing enough protein food, and achieving food security at the same time.
Definition {The adoption of small-scale poultry farming.}
Small-scale poultry farming refers to the practice of raising a relatively limited number of poultry within a manageable and self-sufficient farming system, usually ranging from 50 to 500 exotic breeds. Under this system, farmers keep poultry both indoors, and outdoors with minimal biosecurity protection. Currently, small-scale intensive poultry farming is emerging in urban and pre-urban, where chicken are reared along commercial lines using relatively modern management systems.
Small-scale poultry farming follows two categories.
Free range extensive systems.
Birds under free-range extensive systems aren’t in the houses. In fact, they scavenge for food over a wide area. Poultry roost outside with no coop provided.
Backyard extensive systems.
Unlike the free range, the backyard system provides shelter for the birds at night. Farmers usually feed the poultry in the morning, and in the evening supplement the scavenging.
Semi intensive systems.
This system combines both extensive and intensive systems where the birds are confined in certain locations with a coop provided. Furthermore, feeds and water are provided in the coop to minimize wastage. This is common practice in urban and rural areas.
Intensive systems
These are systems used by medium large-scale commercial farmers or enterprises at household levels. Unlike other systems, here the birds are fully confined in coops. In addition, the birds are fully fed without scavenging.
The total expense of raising 100 broilers in Kenya is subject to fluctuations influenced by factors like location, market demand, and resource availability. Yet, I can give you a rough estimate of the expenses for raising 100 broilers in Kenya.
Cost analysis for the adoption of small-scale poultry farming.
1. Cost of rearing 100 broilers
Chicks: Buy 100-day-old broilers. The price of each chick varies based on the breed and supplier, ranging from KES 100 to KES 150. The cost of 100 chicks is approximately KES 10,000 to KES 15,000.
Broilers need a high-protein diet for growth. The feed cost relies on the feed’s quality and quantity. Each broiler typically consumes 5-6 kg of feed on average while being raised. A 50 kg bag of broiler feed costs between KES 2,500 and KES 3,000. In order to raise 100 broilers, you’ll require around 25–30 bags of feed, estimated at KES 62,500 to KES 90,000.
Additionally, you’ll need to construct a broiler house for their protection. Construction expenses vary based on size and materials. Broiler house construction typically costs between KES 100,000 to KES 150,000, while regular vaccination and medication are essential for broilers’ health. Both the price of vaccination and medication varies based on the specific vaccine and medication utilized. Thus, the total cost of vaccinating and medicating 100 broilers is KES 10,000 to KES 15,000 on average.
Additionally, you must consider expenses such as labor, electricity, water, transportation, and marketing. In fact, the total cost of these expenses will depend on your location and the size of your operation.
In summary, the estimated cost of rearing 100 broilers in Kenya can range from KES 192,500 to KES 273,000, depending on the factors mentioned above.
2. Cost of rearing 100 kienyeji chicken in Kenya
Cost estimates for raising 100 kienyenji chicken based on current market trends.
1. Cost of chick ksh 100/chick for 100 birds = ksh 10,000
2. Chick mash 8 weeks – Each chick will consume 60 grams per day. The cost of chick mash is 52Kg. 56*0.06*52 *100 = 17,472
3. Growers mash and other feeds period 9 to 20 weeks of age – each bird will consume 90 grams per day. The cost of growers’ mash is 100 per Kg
77*0.09*100*100 = Ksh 69,300
4. Vaccination, and Vitamins/drug = ksh 3,000
5. Brooding = ksh 2,000
6. Equipment = ksh 5,500
7. Others = ksh 6,000
Total ksh = 113,272
Conclusively, these cost estimates are for raising 100 broiler and kienyeji chicken. The estimates are based on the current market price trend. These prices may vary with time, and from one area to another. Lastly, The estimates also assume the farmers have a structure ready for raising the chicken.
References
https://www.poultry.care/blog/chicken-farming-business-plan-for-beginners
