Poultry farming is one of the most popular and profitable forms of farming in Nigeria. With a huge demand for poultry meat and eggs, and a low supply from local production, poultry farming offers a great opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own business and make money.
But what exactly is poultry farming? And how can you start your own poultry farm in Nigeria?
In this blog post, I will share with you five interesting facts about poultry farming in Nigeria that will inspire you to start your own. I will also give you a brief guide on how to start poultry farming in Nigeria, from choosing the type of bird to rear, to marketing and selling your products.
Table of Contents
What is Poultry Farming
Fact #1: Nigeria Has the 2nd Largest Population of Chickens in Africa
Fact #2: Local Production Only Meets 30% of Chicken Eggs and Meat Demand
Fact #3: Nigeria is the Largest Producer of Chicken Eggs in Africa
Fact #4: The Poultry Farming Sector Contributes 6-8% of GDP of the Country
Fact #5: The Poultry Farming Sub-Sector is the Most Commercialized of the Agricultural Sector
How to Start Poultry Farming in Nigeria: A Brief Guide
Conclusion
What is Poultry Farming?
Poultry farming is the rearing of domestic birds (primarily chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, etc.) for meat, eggs, feathers, and manure for human consumption and other purposes. Depending on the type of poultry farming you are interested in, you can focus on producing meat, eggs, or both.
In Nigeria, most poultry farmers focus on rearing chickens and turkeys, with chicken being the most preferred. About 85 million (42%) of Nigeria’s population, 4 in every 10 Nigerian, are into poultry production, primarily small scale to medium scale poultry farming. There’s hardly any part of the country where you wouldn’t see these two-legged creatures roaming around the neighbourhood or being reared.
Fact #1: Nigeria Has the 2nd Largest Population of Chickens in Africa
According to a report released in 2020 on poultry production in Nigeria¹, Nigeria has the 2nd largest chicken population of about 180 million annually in Africa. Compared to Nigeria’s population in 2020, chickens are currently approximately 26,000,000 shy of the country’s total population, which is estimated to be 206,139,587 according to the statistics published by the World Bank².
Broilers make up 70% of the chicken population in Nigeria, while layers account for 30%. Broilers are chickens that are raised for meat production, while layers are chickens that are raised for egg production.
Fact #2: Local Production Only Meets 30% of Chicken Eggs and Meat Demand
Despite the expansion of the poultry industry in recent years, poultry farming in Nigeria only caters to 30% of chicken eggs and meat needs of Nigerians, which amounts to up to 300 Mt of meat and 650 Mt of eggs per year³. This means there is a huge opportunity in the poultry market for intending poultry farmers in Nigeria, whether on a small, medium, or large scale.
An estimated poultry meat of 1.2 million is smuggled into the country from the Benin Republic alone⁴. This not only deprives the local poultry farmers of their potential income, but also poses health risks to the consumers, as the smuggled poultry products are often frozen and preserved with harmful chemicals.
Fact #3: Nigeria is the Largest Producer of Chicken Eggs in Africa
About 21 billion eggs are produced in Nigeria annually through poultry in farming, making it the largest producer of chicken eggs in Africa. However, compared to other countries, Nigeria’s chicken egg consumption is 60 eggs per annum per capita, compared to 250 eggs per annum per capita in advanced countries.
There is a viable market in the chicken eggs industry, as eggs are not only consumed as food, but also used as ingredients in various products, such as bakery, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and more. Eggs are also rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy and affordable food option for many Nigerians.
Fact #4: The Poultry Farming Sector Contributes 6-8% of GDP of the Country
Poultry farming has a significant impact on the country’s domestic revenue, contributing about 6-8% of Nigeria’s GDP annually. Farming in Nigeria accounts for over 20% of Nigeria’s GDP; poultry farming alone contributes to about 30% of Agriculture’s GDP.
Nigeria is the fourth-largest producer of poultry meat in Africa, after South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco. Poultry farming also provides employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians, especially women and youth, who are involved in various aspects of the poultry value chain, such as production, processing, marketing, and distribution.
Fact #5: The Poultry Farming Sub-Sector is the Most Commercialized of the Agricultural Sector
According to a report shared by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele in 2019, the poultry farming industry in Nigeria is worth about N1.6trn, making it the most commercialized sub-sector of all Nigeria’s agricultural sub-sector. The Apex Bank Governor also stated that there is a massive potential for the poultry farming industry in Nigeria. He attributed the demand for poultry products to the country’s population growth.
The CBN has also introduced various initiatives and policies to support and boost the poultry farming sector, such as the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme, and the Poultry Support Fund. These programmes aim to provide access to finance, inputs, training, and markets for poultry farmers, as well as to reduce the importation of poultry products and increase local production.
How to Start Poultry Farming in Nigeria: A Brief Guide
If you are interested in starting your own poultry farming business in Nigeria, here are some basic steps to follow:
1. Learn about the cost and create a budget. You need to research the costs involved in setting up and running a poultry farm, such as land, housing, equipment, birds, feeds, veterinary services, labor, transportation, marketing, and more. You also need to create a budget that suits your financial capacity and business goals.
2. Choose the type of bird to rear. You need to decide which bird species you want to rear, based on the purpose of rearing (meat, eggs, or both), the market demand and price, the availability and cost of the bird and its feeds, the adaptability and productivity of the bird in your climate and environment, and the susceptibility and resistance of the bird to diseases and pests. The most common bird species reared in Nigeria are chickens and turkeys, but you can also consider other options, such as quails, pigeons, ducks, and more.
3. Select a suitable farm location. You need to choose a location for your poultry farm that is away from residential areas, has access to clean water and electricity, is close to transportation routes and your target market, is secure and safe, has favorable climatic and soil conditions, and meets the legal and regulatory requirements of the area.
4. Provide adequate housing. You need to provide comfortable and secure housing for your birds, depending on the type and number of birds, the space and ventilation requirements, the protection and insulation from weather and predators, the ease and efficiency of cleaning and disinfecting, and the cost and durability of the housing materials and equipment. You can choose from various housing systems, such as free-range,
5. Feed and care for the birds. You need to provide adequate nutrition and care for your birds, depending on their type and age. You need to use high-quality feeds and clean water sources, and follow a feeding regimen that suits your birds’ needs. You also need to maintain hygiene and sanitation on your farm, and prevent and treat diseases and pests that may affect your birds. You need to monitor your birds regularly and observe any signs of illness or stress.
6. Market and sell your products. You need to market and sell your poultry products effectively, depending on your target market and customer segments. You need to use various platforms and channels to promote your farm and your products, and engage with potential customers. You also need to explore partnerships and collaborations with other businesses and organizations that may need your poultry products, such as restaurants, hotels, catering services, and more. You need to offer high-quality products, fair prices, and excellent service to your customers, and get feedback and referrals from them.
Conclusion
Poultry farming is a rewarding and profitable business that can transform your life and livelihood. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can start your own poultry farming business in Nigeria and reap the benefits of this booming industry. Whether you want to rear chickens, turkeys, ducks, or any other bird, you can find a niche market and a loyal customer base for your poultry products.
(1) Poultry Farming Business in Nigeria & Cost of Starting (2024).
(2) How To Start A Profitable Poultry Farming Business In Nigeria.
(3) Poultry Farming in Nigeria: How to Get Started
(4) en.wikipedia.org.
