Improving Farmyard Poultry Production In Africa

Analyses the impact of vaccination against Newcastle disease, Gumboro disease and fowl-pox, as well as management strategies. The publication will be of use to poultry specialists involved in the diagnosis and control of infectious diseases, field veterinarians confronted with poultry production problems, and veterinary authorities planning control programmes.

"The poultry production systems of Africa are mainly based on the scavenging indigenous chickens found in virtually all villages and households in rural Africa. These systems are characterized by low output per bird. Nevertheless, over 70 percent of the poultry products and 20 percent of animal protein intake in most African countries come from this sector. Therefore, increased rural poultry production would result in a positive impact on household food security both in increased dietary intake and in income generation. ... This study coincided with the World Food Summit, held at FAO, Rome, from 13 to 17 November 1996, where delegations committed their governments and civil society to a global attack on food insecurity and poverty. Poultry, like other short-cycle animal stock, is viewed by the FAO Special Programme for Food Security (SPFS) as a crucial element in the struggle for sustained food production and poverty alleviation. The guidelines provided in this study are particularly pertinent to those countries participating in the SPFS where village chicken production will have a substantial impact on increased household food security and gender equity."--Foreword.

Traditionally poultry is found in many communities the world over and can be, with adequate support, training and investment, a viable commercial enterprise for many small-scale farmers. Poultry can provide for a good source of nutrition for the farm family and an income source, which does not depend on the harvest cycle common to crops. The booklet is aimed at raising awareness and promoting poultry as a business to all those who are involved in supporting small-scale farming and rural development in general.