Assessment of Broiler Chicken Farming in Balkh Province: Farmers’ Perspectives, Challenges, and Development Strategies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.6.1.23Keywords:
Broiler farming, Poultry production, Challenges, Development, Balkh ProvinceAbstract
This study aimed to assess the current status, key challenges, and development opportunities of broiler chicken production in Balkh Province, Afghanistan. Broiler farming plays a significant role in food security, employment generation, and income improvement in developing countries; however, the sector faces multiple constraints in Afghanistan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire consisting of 11 Likert-scale statements. Data were collected from 80 respondents, including broiler farmers, veterinarians, feed traders, and local officials, selected through purposive sampling. The sample size was considered adequate for descriptive statistical analysis and exploratory research. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation) were used to interpret respondents’ perceptions. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.82, indicating good internal consistency. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents had a positive perception of the current production status, chick quality, and future growth potential of broiler farming in Balkh Province. High feed prices and poultry diseases were identified as the most critical challenges, while access to veterinary services and infrastructure showed moderate adequacy. Respondents strongly agreed that technical training, financial support, and improved market access are essential for sustainable development of the sector. Overall, the study concludes that broiler farming in Balkh Province has strong growth and profitability potential. Policy interventions focusing on reducing feed costs, strengthening veterinary services, and expanding financial and technical support can significantly enhance the sustainability and productivity of the broiler farming industry.
Downloads
References
Abdullah, A. M., Sadiq, M. S., & Nawaz, M. A. (2019). Economic analysis of broiler production in developing countries. Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, 7(1), 45–56.
Adeyemo, A. A., Ojo, O. E., & Abiola, J. O. (2020). Poultry disease management and its effect on productivity in small-scale farms. Veterinary World, 13(4), 725–732. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2020.725-732
Alders, R. G., & Pym, R. A. E. (2009). Village poultry: Still important to millions, eight thousand years after domestication. World’s Poultry Science Journal, 65(2), 181–190. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0043933909000117
Bleich, E. G., & Pagani, P. (2016). Market access and profitability in poultry farming. Journal of Agribusiness and Rural Development, 2(40), 201–210.
Bonfoh, B., Wasem, A., Traoré, A. N., Fané, A., Spillmann, H., Simbé, C. F., & Zinsstag, J. (2010). Microbiological quality of poultry meat and public health risks in developing countries. Food Control, 21(5), 611–617. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2009.09.006
Dessie, T., & Ogle, B. (2001). Village poultry production systems in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 33(6), 521–537. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012740832558
Dolberg, F. (2001). A livestock development approach for poverty reduction. FAO Livestock Policy Journal, 3, 1–16.
FAO. (2014). Family poultry development—Issues, opportunities and constraints. FAO Animal Production and Health Working Paper No. 12. Rome: FAO.
FAO & World Bank. (2018). Reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases in poultry production. FAO Publications.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2019). Poultry development review. FAO.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2020). FAOSTAT: Livestock production statistics. FAO.
Farooq, M., Mian, M. A., & Asghar, A. (2017). Constraints and opportunities in broiler production systems of developing countries. Poultry Science, 96(11), 4007–4015. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pex224
Gueye, E. F. (2005). Gender aspects in family poultry management systems in developing countries. World’s Poultry Science Journal, 61(1),39–46. https://doi.org/10.1079/WPS200440
Guèye, E. F. (2009). The role of poultry in poverty alleviation, food security and the promotion of gender equality in developing countries. World’s Poultry Science Journal, 65(1), 7–14. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0043933909000002
Hafez, H. M., & Attia, Y. A. (2020). Challenges to the poultry industry: Current perspectives and strategic solutions. Journal of Animal and Poultry Production, 11(4), 99–104. https://doi.org/10.21608/jappmu.2020.87123
Henchion, M., Hayes, M., Mullen, A. M., Fenelon, M., & Tiwari, B. (2017). Future protein supply and demand: Strategies for poultry sector growth. Meat Science, 132, 53–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2017.04.224
Kitalyi, A. J. (1998). Village chicken production systems in rural Africa. FAO Animal Production and Health Paper No. 142.
MAIL (Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock). (2021). Afghanistan agricultural statistics yearbook. Kabul, Afghanistan.
Melesse, A. (2014). Significance of scavenging chicken production in developing countries. World’s Poultry Science Journal, 70(4), 751–762. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0043933914000828
Mottet, A., & Tempio, G. (2017). Global poultry production: Current state and future outlook. Animal Frontiers, 7(2), 7–13. https://doi.org/10.2527/af.2017-0004
Mutua, F., Randolph, T., & Grace, D. (2012). The role of livestock in economic development and poverty reduction in developing countries. ILRI Research Report.
North, M. O., & Bell, D. D. (1990). Commercial chicken production manual (4th ed.). Springer.
Ochieng, J., Owuor, G., & Bebe, B. O. (2021). Role of veterinary services in improving poultry productivity among smallholder farmers. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 53(2), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-021-02632-1
Oluwasola, O., & Alimi, T. (2008). Financial constraints and profitability of poultry enterprises in Nigeria. International Journal of Poultry Science, 7(6), 583–588.
Permin, A., & Pedersen, G. (2002). Problems related to poultry production at village level. FAO Animal Health Paper No. 142.
Rahimi, H., Ahmadzai, S., & Safi, A. (2021). Poultry sector development and challenges in Afghanistan. Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, 5(3), 112–120.
Scanes, C. G. (2007). Contribution of poultry to quality of life and economic development. Poultry Science, 86(12), 2466–2471. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2007-00207
Sonaiya, E. B., & Swan, S. E. J. (2004). Small-scale poultry production: Technical guide. FAO Animal Production and Health Manual No. 1.
Tadelle, D., Kijora, C., & Peters, K. J. (2003). Indigenous chicken production systems in developing countries. Livestock Research for Rural Development, 15(2), 1–8.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammad Daud Surkhabi, Habiburahman Jawhari
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
10.55544/ijrah
editor@ijrah.com | 
+91-8874396939
This work is licensed under a 