AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development
ISSN(Online): 2736-0040 ISSN(Print): 2695-1975
ISSN(Online): 2736-0040 ISSN(Print): 2695-1975
Abstract
The study assessed broiler birds performance of new farm entrants in Uyo Local Government Area of
Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Both primary and secondary data from AKADEP reports and other
publications relevant for the study were used. A structured questionnaire was employed to obtain
information from fifty (50) purposively selected poultry farmers in Uyo Local Government Area that
has been in the business for a period of five years and below. Descriptive statistics, gross margin
analysis, Rate of Returns on Investment and multiple regression models were used to analyze the data.
Results showed that new entrants were dominated by male (68%) broiler farmers. Majority of the
respondents (86%) had formal education and the average educational attainment was junior secondary
school (9years). The mean age of the respondents and household size were 42 years and 5 persons,
respectively. Most of the farmers had secondary source of income, only 18% of the respondents
accessed credit facilities. The total variable cost was N537026.7 and the total revenue was N584120.40
while gross margin per farmer was N47093.3. Rate of. Returns on Investment (RROI) was 8.7%. The
result of the regression model indicated that, educational status (P<0.05) and experience in poultry
farming, access to credit, income level and amount of credit to farmers all had significant (P < 0.01)
influence on the level of gross margin in the study area. The study recommends that the State
Government should continue to accommodate more young people in the State new farm entrant scheme
-Integrated farmers’ Scheme (IFS). Also new farm entrants should be supported with grants and other
credit facilities to raise their level of production and gross margin. Farmers should be trained to
produce their feed as this would reduce feed cost and improve their gross margin.