AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

RISK MITIGATION STRATEGIES UTILIZED BY POULTRY FARMERS IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Ubom, Etiene E., Okorie, Nelson & Okon, Uwemedimo

Abstract
The poultry industry plays a significant role in food production and contributes to the development of Nigeria’s economy. The industry holds huge potential for growth with the participation and influx of new players. However, this potential is constantly challenged by a variety of risk factors. Hence, this study investigated the risk mitigation strategies adopted by poultry farmers in Akwa Ibom State. 246 poultry farmers were selected across three Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State using multi-stage sampling procedures. Data was collected with the aid of a questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Likert-type scale rating. The result showed that the 54.88% of the farmers were male, the mean age of the respondents was 42.89 years, the majority of the farmers were educated and the mean farm experience was 6.98 years. High cost of feed, outbreak of diseases among the birds, and acquiring birds from wrong sources were major risks faced by the farmers...