NIGERIA: Poultry Farmers Lament Losses As Nigerians Shun Chicken During Christmas

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Poultry farmers across Nigeria, are reeling from massive losses after facing poor patronage during the Christmas and New Year festivities, a period traditionally marked by high demand for chicken.

The situation was made known by the Director General of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Dr. Onallo Akpa.

He described the situation as dire, with over 50 percent of broilers produced for the festive season left unsold due to the low purchasing power of Nigerians.

Dr. Akpa in an interview with the media on Saturday explained that poultry farmers, particularly small-scale producers, had heavily invested in broiler production in anticipation of robust sales during the holidays.

Despite the soaring costs of Day-Old Chicks (DOCs) and poultry feed, farmers stocked up, relying on the assumption that chicken, a staple for festive meals, would remain a priority for families.

However, the reality was far from expectations as families struggled to afford basic food items, let alone poultry meat, which was seen as luxury.

Dr Akpa said: “The preparations for Christmas and New Year were highly expectant.

“There was a belief that every family, no matter how poor, would manage to afford chicken. Unfortunately, the harsh economic conditions meant people prioritised other commodities over poultry.”

The glut of unsold stock has placed immense pressure on farmers, many of whom now face the dilemma of feeding the birds at an additional cost or abandoning them entirely.

The financial strain has been compounded by the already high cost of production, leaving many small-scale farmers on the brink of closure.

The broader implications are grave, with Dr. Akpa warning that livelihoods dependent on poultry farming are being eroded, and confidence in the sector is waning.

“The livelihoods of families who rely on small-scale poultry production are being destroyed. Farmers are losing faith in the business, and poultry farms are shutting down across the country,” he said.

Looking ahead, Dr. Akpa remains hopeful but insists on the need for government intervention.

He called for a revitalised economy that prioritizes critical agricultural sectors like poultry, which employs over 25 million Nigerians directly and indirectly.

He also urged the government to address nutrition and food security, emphasizing poultry’s vital role in both.

“The poultry sector is a low-hanging fruit for reviving the agricultural economy. We need urgent support to sustain this industry, which is crucial to the livelihoods of millions and the food security of the nation,” Dr. Akpa concluded.