An assesment of natural and socio- economic impacts on indigeneous chicken production: a case study of Katangi and Ikombe Divisions of Yatta Sub County, Machakos County

The purpose of this study was to identify the natural and socio economic factors that affect indigenous chicken production and the level of their impact in Katangi and Ikombe divisions of Yatta sub county, Machakos County. The study therefore sought to establish why despite the Government, Non Governmental organizations and the communities spending a lot of resources in tackling food insecurity among the local communities through poultry keeping, there has been an increase in the number of persons suffering from hunger across the sub county. Data were collected using questionnaires as the main research instruments. The questionnaires were administered to 150 respondents composed of farmers, extension Officers and animal Health Officers. The study sought to identify the main chicken predators, diseases and pests and their impact on indigenous chicken production, to establish the level of gender influence on indigenous chicken production, determine the effects of household incomes on indigenous chicken production, and to determine the market and marketing challenges in Katangi and Ikombe divisions of Yatta sub county Machakos County. Data for this study was analyzed by both descriptive and inferential statistics. Under descriptive analysis, frequency distribution tables were constructed showing the categories, responses and percentages which were used in analyzing the data. Under inferential statistics, several hypothesis were formulated which were tested using Pearson’s correlation coefficients to test the strength of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, Chi- square test was used to test whether there was statistical independence between gender and poultry keeping. Pearson moment correlation was used to test the relationship between chicken production and household income . All the analyses were done using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS). The study established that the main challenges to poultry keeping were disease and predators. It was also revealed that 80% of the respondents use the indigenous technical knowledge (thereafter referred to as ITK) way of disease control while 20% used conventional methods. There was a strong negative relationship between diseases /predators and poultry keeping. It was also established that majority of poultry farmers in the rural areas were female. They also market the poultry. There is significant relationship between gender and chicken production. There is a significant relationship between chicken production and household income. That means poultry keeping is a significant economic activity in enhancing livelihood for the communities and food security. The study also revealed that the majority (50%) of the respondents keep chicken for sale while 12.5% and 7.5% were keeping chicken for eggs and meat respectively. This is the main economic activity for majority of the respondents. The study established that majority (60%) of poultry farmers were selling their poultry at the farm gate. 40% were selling at the local market. If these poultry were sold in the major markets and hotels they would earn more. The study recommendations are; The Government should increase the Animal Health personnel to assists poultry farmers on diseases and predators control. The chicken farmers should be advised on how to increase their level of production.