Evaluation of socio-economic condition and constraints of poultry farmers in selected areas of Bangladesh

Abstract

Family poultry production accounts for most of the poultry production system in Bangladesh, but progress
is not satisfactory. The present study assessed the existing poultry production and consumption patterns
and constraints of poultry rearing of rural farmers in selected Northern areas of Bangladesh. A total of 50
households; 25 from Parakochua and 25 from Baraticry village in the Gaibandha district were selected for
this study. The correlations coefficient was computed to determine the relationships among the dependent
and independent variables. The findings showed that the average populations of chickens, ducks, and
pigeons were 8.4, 7.19, and 6 respectively. Approximately 64% of the farmers were low producers compared
to 30% for medium, whereas only 6% higher producers. In terms of consumption, the average among all
birds was 8.1, and the highest proportion (74%) of them was in the low consumption category. With regard
to poultry knowledge, approximately 78% of the farmers had poor overall poultry knowledge. The three most
frequently cited problems faced by farmers in the process of rearing poultry were high prevalence of poultry
diseases, inadequate supply of vaccine and medicine and scarcity of feed. Correlations between dependent
and independent variables indicated that age, education, farm size, and annual income of the farmers were
significantly related to the consumption of poultry, whereas poultry production was positively related to the
farmers’ poultry knowledge. It is concluded that poultry production, consumption and rearing knowledge are
not satisfactory. Therefore, a need-based extension program should be introduced among the farmers
giving more focus on building awareness and ability about poultry production and consumption.