VIABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF BROILER AGRIPRENEURSHIP AMONG SMALL-SCALE AGRIPRENEURS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study analysed viability and sustainability of broiler agripreneurship among small-scale agripreneurs in Abia State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of small-scale broiler agripreneurs in Abia State, examine the cost components and revenue sources of the agripreneurship, determine its profitability, sustainability strategies adopted among others. Multistage sampling procedures were used in selecting 120 respondents across villages, communities and LGAs. Primary data only were used and data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as frequency counts, mean scores; farm budgeting analysis and univariate regression analysis. The mean age of the respondents was 39.8 years, 65% were married and mean years of experience was 9.8 years. Average flock size was 214 birds with a mean annual production of 4 cycles. Day-old chicks constituted the highest variable cost at ₦2,536,328, followed by feed cost at ₦1,420,000 and major source of revenue was the sale of broiler birds (₦8,601,000 annually). Gross margin was ₦4,193,272 and Profitability Index was 0.93. Proper vaccination schedule was the highest (91.7%) sustainable strategy, followed by good sanitation and biosecurity measures (88.3%) while inadequate finance, high feed cost, among others posed challenges to the agripreneurship. it was recommended that feed cost mitigation, extension services and local governments can facilitate feed formulation training and group purchasing to promote local feed formulation using cheaper, high-quality local ingredients.