Annals of Agricultural & Crop

Sciences
Review Article

Poultry Production and Marketing Systems in

Ethiopia: A Review
Alebachew GW1*, Ejigu AK1, Adnie LY1 and
Gebeyehu ST2
Abstract
Chickens are widely kept and make up the largest share in terms of
numbers compared to other farm animal genetic resources. The total number of
poultry in Ethiopia is estimated to be more than 60.04 million, but its production
and productivity are limited. Therefore, this review aims to analyze and
summarize data on Ethiopia’s poultry production and marketing system for
future improvement. The majority of the Ethiopian poultry farming system was
extensive or traditional, with little supplementary feeding practice. Local
chickens produce 18 to 60 eggs/year/hen, while exotic breeds produce an
average of 250 eggs/year/hen with an average weight of 60 grams of eggs.
Chickens and their products are used for income, home expenditure, and
consumption. Extension service for the improvement of livestock production in
general and poultry production, in particular, found to be weak. There was a
higher price of chicken and eggs during the festival than other times. The major
problems in poultry production in the country are disease and lack of animal
health services, predators, shortage of supplementary feed, and lack of
improved poultry housing systems. A better understanding of those constraints
and worthy prospects about village chicken production and marketing is an
important aspect of improving chicken production.
Keywords: Chicken; Ethiopia; Marketing; Production system
1
Sirinka Agricultural Research Center, Woldia, Ethiopia
2
Gondar Agricultural Research Center, Gondar, Ethiopia *Corresponding author: Getachew Worku Alebachew,
Sirinka Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 74, Woldia, Ethiopia
Received: January 17, 2022; Accepted: February 17,
2022; Published: February 24, 2022
Introduction
In Ethiopia chickens (Gallus domesticus) are widely kept and
make up the largest share in terms of numbers compared to other
farm animals’ genetic resources [1]. From the total number of
chickens estimated at 60.04 million, the contribution of the local,
exotic, and hybrid chicken breed was about 88.5%, 6.25% and
5.25% respectively [2]. In most cases, village chickens represent a
significant component of the rural household livelihood as a source
of cash income and nutrition [3].
Knowledge and understanding of the chicken production
systems, opportunities, and constraints are important in the design Figure 1:
Population trends of the different chicken blood level.
Source:
CSA [2,6-13,17-20].
and implementation of the indigenous chicken-based-development
program, which can benefit rural societies [4]. Therefore, the
(Figure 1). The share of exotic and hybrid chickens was increasing
objective of this review was to collect, analyze and summarize
overtime.Thecontribution of exoticand hybridchickenwas
information on the chicken production and marketing system in
Ethiopia for future improvement. raised about 6.2% and 5.3% respectively; have 11.5% shares [2].
The chicken is the largest constituent of the poultry population [14].
Poultry Population and Regional The traditional practices continue to dominate domestic poultry
Distribution production in Ethiopia; industrial poultry production contributes
Ethiopia has a huge number of indigenous chickens distributed only an insignificant proportion. About 99% of the annual poultry
in different agro-ecologies and regional states. Indigenous chickens meat and egg production comes from the indigenous chickens kept
that live in different geographical regional areas of the country have under the traditional systems [15]. According to Alganesh et al. [16],
varieties of ecotype. Chicken population distribution varies with the egg production potential of exotic breeds was around 250 eggs/
regional states, higher in Oromia followed by Amhara Regional year/hen with an average weight of 60 grams.
State. Harari Regional State has a lower chicken population [2,5] The average number of egg-laying periods/hen/year (clutch) was
(Table 1). about 4, 4 and 1 for the local, hybrid and exotic breeds, respectively.
Exotic and Hybrid Chicken Population The average length of a single egg-laying period per hen was
and Production estimated to be about 21, 45, and 169 days for local, hybrid and
exotic breeds,
The chicken population in the country is increasing manner
Ann Agric Crop Sci - Volume 7 Issue 2 - 2022
Citation: Alebachew GW, Ejigu AK, Adnie LY and Gebeyehu ST. Poultry Production and Marketing Systems in
ISSN: 2573-3583 | www.austinpublishinggroup.com
Ethiopia: A Review. Ann Agric Crop Sci. 2022; 7(2): 1112.
Alebachew et al. © All rights are reserved
Alebachew GW
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Table 1:
Poultry population distribution of the country and regional states.
Region 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Tigray 3,829,788 4,266,077 4,308,595 5,003,126 5,287,790 6,189,848 6,329,501 5,735,973 6,190,640

Afar 26,519 29,369 67,319 57,993 124,489 132,215 106,355 5,735,973 215,768

Amhara 12,755,956 12,739,620 14,048,486 14,116,725 14,524,806 18,031,121 19,958,894 19,961,861 19,809,915

Oromia 13,673,006 15,336,939 18,762,281 16,345,099 19,313,874 20,076,129 21,201,122 20,408,299 20,894,742

Somale 77,367 55,752 106,114 113,004 196,396 162,884 177,300 161,265 250,418

B. Gumz 774,112 820,994 1,149,069 1,140,816 1,041,557 1,375,326 1,363,061 1,249,578 1,672,084

SNNP 6,707,186 8,503,564 10,407,807 7,690,931 10,353,805 10,433,773 10,851,155 11,197,124 10,491,131

Gambela 202,105 210,332 303,019 301,735 344,043 307,387 358,288 385,768 301,531

Harari 33,362 39,185 53,277 43,235 71,697 71,419 74,332 94,371 97,690

Dire dawa 48,102 51,431 80,963 80,345 92,283 86,617 85,318 102,963 118,376

Ethiopia 38,127,504 42,053,263 49,286,932 44,893,009 51,350,738 56,866,719 60,505,327 59,495,026 60,042,295
Source: CSA [2,6-13]. Fogera district [38]. Most of the respondents (82%) indicated that
Key: B. Gumz: Benishangul Gumz; SNNP: South Nation Nationality People. the main objectives of keeping poultry were for home consumption
respectively. The average number of eggs/hen/laying period in the and income generation in North Gondar [30]. According to Fisseha
country was about 12, 38, and 133 eggs, correspondingly [2]. et al. [23] in the Bure district, about 78% of interviewed village
However, local chicken genetic resources are becoming seriously chicken owners consumed chicken only during religious/cultural
endangered owing to the high rate of genetic erosion resulting from holidays, 20.3% whenever needed/available and only 0.7% reported
disease and predation. Furthermore, the extensive and random that they never eat chicken. The importance of eggs for hatching was
distribution of exotic chicken breeds has resulted in the dilution of the first (71.7%) function of eggs.
the indigenous genetic stock. If this trend continues, the gene pool of According to Habtamu et al. [33] in the Chagni district, 70% of
the indigenous chickens could be lost in the near future [1]. the respondents were keeping domestic chickens for generating
Flock Size and Structure income as a priority, while 23% reared them for their consumption.
Another 7% were keeping these either for cultural reasons or simply
Different research outputs indicated that the average flock size of
for leisure. In Tsegede district producing egg and meat for income
the chicken was different from a different area of the country (Table
generation 51.3%, household consumption 46.7% and hatching and
2). The recommended cock to hen ratio in modern light and heavy
rearing of chickens for replacement of flock 2% [34]. At the same
breeds is 1:10 and 1:8 respectively [21]. The overall male to female
time in East Gojam Zone egg and meat are used for household
ratio of village flocks was 1:2.5 in Tilili, Jarso, Horro, Chefe and
consumption, income generation, hatching, and rearing of chicks for
Tepi [22], 3.7:1 in Bure [23,24] and 1:3.3, 1:3.2 and 1:2.2 in Bure,
replacement of flock [35].
Fogera and Dale, respectively [21].
Use Pattern Gender Aspect of Poultry Management
In most developing countries, chicken production is mainly
The use pattern of chicken and chicken products is varied [36].
based on scavenging systems and rural women and children are
Village chicken keepers in the rift valley of the Oromia area use
traditionally believed to play an important role [39]. Studies revealed
chickens and chicken by-products as a source of income/cash or for
that women were responsible for the major poultry production
home expenditure (44%), home consumption (24%), ceremony
activities. According to Mengesha et al. [40], at Jamma district there
and/or sacrifice (22%), and a deposit (10%). On the other hand, eggs
has been a work division among family members in poultry
from village chickens in the study area are used for hatching for
productions. The overall care-taking of chickens, feeding of
replacement stock, sale for cash income, and home consumption
chickens, cleaning of chickens-quarter, treating of sick chickens, the
[37]. In Tilili, Jarso, Horro, Chefe, and Tepi in order of importance,
decision for off-take of poultry products with 72.5, 84.5, 82.2, 48.6,
eggs were used for hatching, sale and home consumption, while
56.6% were responsibilities of women in the family, respectively.
chicks produced were used for sale, replacement, and home
However, poultry house construction and slaughtering of chicken
consumption. About 50, 27, and 23% of the eggs produced were
was the responsibility of men in households.
reported to be used for hatching, sale, and home consumption,
respectively [36]. According to Bradley [41]; family poultry could be easily
In North-Bench and Sheko districts, chickens are used as a
source of egg production. The egg used for hatching was the first
most important use pattern [25]. The sale of live chicken for cash managed 7(2): id1112 (2022)
income is the first important function of rearing chicken in Fogera
(77.8%) and Dale (43.7%) districts. In Bure, egg hatching for
production of replacement chicks (51%) and sale for income
- Page - 02
(43.5%) are found to be important [21]. According to Fisseha et al.
[23], the use of eggs for hatching (71.7%) was the first function of
eggs in the Bure district of northwest Amhara.
The two most important reasons for engaging in poultry
production were income generation and improve family nutrition in

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Table 2:
Flock size per household in a different area of the country.
Study area Regional state Flock size/hh References

Bench Maji Zone of South-bench SNNP 9.58 Getachew et al. [25]

Bench Maji Zone of North-bench SNNP 11.62 Getachew et al. [25]

Sheko SNNP 6.1 Getachew et al. [25]

Central Highlands of Ethiopia - 7.1 Tadelle and Ogle [26]

Awassa Zuria SNNP 8.8 Asefa [27]

Bure Amhara 13 Fisseha et al. [21]

Fogera Amhara 12 Fisseha et al. [21]

Dale SNNP 9 Fisseha et al. [21]

north-west Ethiopia Amhara 7.13 Halima et al. [1]

Tilili Amhara 9.8 Tadelle et al. [22]

Jarso Oromia 7.7 Tadelle et al. [22]

Horro Oromia 6.9 Tadelle et al. [22]

Chefe Oromia 6.6 Tadelle et al. [22]

Tepi SNNP 5.8 Tadelle et al. [22]

Bure Amhara 13.1 Fisseha [24]

Dale, Wonsho and Lokaabaya SNNP 9.2 Mekonnen, 2007 [28]

Goma District Oromia 6.23 Meseret [29]

North Gondar Amhara 10.44 Mamo et al. [30]

North Gondar Amhara 16.43 Getu and Birhan [31]

Kambata Tambaro and Wolaita SNNP 8.6 Getiso et al. [32]

Bure district SNNP 13 Fisseha et al. [23]

Chagni Amhara 7.76 Habtamu et al. [33]

Tsegede, North Gondar Amhara 17.9 Worku [34]

East Gojam Zone Amhara 13 Nigatu and Bezabih [35]

Average 9.86 -
Key: SNNP: South Nation Nationality of People; hh: household. chicken (92.9%). However, men alone were found to be decision-
within homesteads and the management has been associated with makers of the household: to buy drugs for sick chickens (88.6%) and
women for various historical and social factors. In the rift valley of to buy replacement stock (67.9%).
Oromia, according to Dinka [37], 92.4% of village chickens were In another study also in Bure, women were used to shouldering
owned by children and women and they played a role in providing most of the responsibilities in chicken production. About 59.72% of
supplementary feeding and watering 60% and 15%, respectively. the responsibility of feeding and providing water, 62.5% of the
This implies that housing, feeding, and general management of responsibility of cleaning the houses and 56.95% of the
village chickens are the responsibility of women and children while responsibility for selling the chicken, and 63.89% of the
men are responsible for other off-farm activities. The role of men in responsibility for selling the eggs is the responsibility of women. On
poultry production was in the construction of poultry shelters the other hand, men were primarily responsible for the construction
(57.5%). Mekonnen [28] also reported that chicken house of poultry houses [38]. The ownership pattern was usually related to
construction in SNNP was the responsibility of men (53.1%) and decision-making in the selling and consumption of chicken and eggs.
male youth (9.4%) while women take the lion share in About 96.7% of the ownership of chicken was held by women in the
accomplishing other perspectives of poultry management activities Goma district. About 90% of house construction was covered by the
including the cleaned house (74.4 %), provided supplementary men. However, women were highly responsible for many activities
feeding (65%) and watering (73.8%). like the provision of water and supplementary feed to chicken 100%,
According to Fisseha [24], at Bure district men were responsible selling of chicken 94% & cleaning chicken’s waste in their nighttime
for activities like the construction of shelter (97.5%) and taking sick resting areas 91% [29].
chickens for treatment (89.3%). However, women were highly Poultry Production and Feeding
responsible for many activities like cleaning chicken’s house Systems
(38.6%), provision of supplementary feed to chickens (80.7%),
selling chicken (46.8%) & selling eggs (54.6%) women and children These include the free-range system or traditional village
were the major members of the household involved in the marketing
of live chickens. Regarding decision making, both men & women system, 7(2): id1112 (2022)
together were decision-makers in various village chicken production
and marketing activities including selling eggs (78.2%), selling
chicken (69.3%), consumption of eggs (93.2%), and consumption of - Page - 03

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 Production and reproductive performance of village chickens in different studies.
Study area MAFL MAFM NE/C NC/Y TE/Y References

North-west Ethiopia 5.5 5.5 19-Sep Na 57 Halima et al. [1]

Alebachew GW
Austin Publishing 5.75
South-west Ethiopia Group 5.74 na 3.65 53.33 Getachew et al. [25]

Five regional states 6.8 Na 17.7 2.6 46.4 Tadelle et al. [22]

Fogera District 5.9 5.87 na Na Na Bogale [38]

Table 3:
North Wollo 6.4 6 12.64 3.62 49.51 Addisu et al. [46]

North Gondar for Gse 5.43 4.76 na 3.97 55.87 Getu and Birhan [31]

North Gondar for Nne 5.43 4.76 na 3.52 60.2 Getu and Birhan [31]

Gomma District 6.33 na na Na 43.8 Meseret [29]

Hawasa District na na na Na 36-42 Fikere [52]

North Gondar na na 11.53 Na Na Mamo et al. [30]

SNNP na na 12.92 4.05 Na Getiso et al. [32]

Bure District 6.87 6.15 15.7 3.8 60 Fisseha et al. [23]

Tsegede 6.3 na 14.7 4 58.7 Worku [34]

East Gojam Zone Na na 18 6-Apr Na Nigatu and Bezabih [35]

Average 6.1 5.54 14.65 3.8 52.4 -

Keys: MAFL: Mean Age at First Lay (months); MAFM: Mean Age at First Mating for Cockerels (months); NE/C: Number of Eggs/Clutches; NC/Y: Number of Clutch/
Years; TE/Y: Total Egg Laying per Year; SNNP: South Nation Nationality of People Regional State; Nne: Necked Neck Ecotypes; Gse: Gasgie Ecotypes; na: not
available.
Table 4: The total egg production of the country across years by Indigenous, Exotic, and Hybrid.
Indigenous chicken Exotic chicken Hybrid chicken Total
Production
year Laying Egg production Laying Egg production Laying Egg production Total Laying Total Egg
Population Population Population chicken production
2004/05 9,969,634 97,458,301 235,903 5,325,790 Na Na 10,205,537 97,694,204

2006/07 10,451,793 60,856,546 141,338 12,475,624 543,957 7,921,587 11,137,088 81,253,757

2007/08 12,346,856 68,240,818 78,637 792,157 508,764 6,250,801 12,934,257 75,283,776

2008/09 11,961,544 71,748,172 108,561 1,348,071 462,893 5,992,483 12,532,998 79,088,726

2009/10 13,458,202 78,065,930 116,145 Na 512,059 Na 14,086,406 79,088,726

2010/11 15,372,372 89,724,654 90,087 804,935 430,883 7,771,463 15,893,342 98,301,052

2011/12 14,158,795 78,894,848 123,086 936,107 532,169 14,844,827 14,814,050 94,675,782

2013/14 16,419,521 89,560,144 192,853 1,703,269 499,186 9,578,051 17,111,560 100,841,464

2014/15 17,769,868 93,801,389 463,200 5,164,479 588,579 7,604,939 18,821,647 106,570,807

2015/16 18,007,343 95,767,222 767,819 10,771,696 723,564 8,097,156 19,498,726 114,636,074

2016/17 17,352,213 92,692,202 1,515,251 22,126,477 1,044,820 12,747,424 19,912,284 127,566,103

2017/18 16,689,127 89,404,786 2,295,289 35,897,211 1,330,371 16,506,463 20,314,787 141,808,460

Key: Na: not available. respondents, the main supplement is made up of a mixture of
Source: CSA [6-13,18-20].
different crops grown on their farm [21]. Very few respondents
backyard, or subsistence system; semi-intensive system, and (6.9%) reported as they didn’t give any supplementary feed, while
smallscale intensive system [42]. Much of the Ethiopian poultry the majority (88.9%) reported that they gave supplementary feed for
production system was extensive or traditional poultry management the scavenging chicken in Bure [38].
practiced with little supplementary feeding practice, various studies
confirm this fact. Even though the owners provide supplementary
feed to their chicken, it is not enough in size and quality because 7(2): id1112 (2022) - Page - 04
they provide the feedstuffs without measuring [32].
In North Gondar, chickens are 100% widely grown in traditional
production systems [31]; 98.1% in Dale district [28]; 99.28% in
Northwestern Ethiopia [43]; 96.3% supplementary food provided in
central Ethiopia [44]; in Goma district, 97.8% practiced scavenging
system with supplementary feed [29]. Inadequate supplementary
feed supply is one of the characteristics of a free-ranging backyard
poultry production system [45]. In Bure woreda, the most significant
(82.9%) poultry production method was identified for their
scavenging type of production, where the majority of breeds (96.8%)
are local chicken ecotypes, with only seasonal/conditional feed
supplementation [24].
All chicken owners in North Wollo kept their chickens in free-
range/scavenging type of production system with occasional
supplementary feeds 89.87% [46]. About 98, 93, and 98% of
respondents in Bure, Fogera and, Dale, respectively, offer
supplementary feeds to their chicken. According to 87% of the

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Chickens scavenge in the vicinity of the homestead during the supplementary feed to their chicken, which is usually offered
daytime where they may be received cereal grains, cereal bran, (56.7%) once a day, (34.4%) twice a day and the remaining (8.9 %)
crushed grains, and other house waste products as supplementary provide supplementary feed more than twice per day [35].
feed [3]. Village chickens are often left to search their food,
Poultry Watering Practice
scratching and picking on the ground while only small amounts of
grains or kitchen leftovers were supplemented, mainly during feed Water plays an important role in the digestion and metabolism of
shortage seasons [24]. In Dale, Wonsho, and Loka Abaya districts, the fowl, additionally, it serves as a media to administer some
Mekonnen [28] states that 98.1% of the respondents practiced a important vaccines. At SNNP about 75% of the respondents
scavenging system with supplementary feeding. Another study by provided water for their chicken twice a day usually in the morning
Asefa [27] in Awassa Zuria also indicated that 95% of the and evening, while 25% of the respondents provide water once a day
households offer supplementary feed. at any time [28]. In rift valley Oromia village chicken producers
provided water for village chickens at different times of the day; ad-
In the rift valley of Oromia, 98% of households were engaged in
libitum 47%, once a day 14%, twice a day 18%, three times 16% and
village chicken production and partially provided supplementary
four times a day 5% from tap water 66%, river water 15%, borehole
feeding to their chickens of various ages. The owners do partial
6% and other sources 13% [37]. In the Alfa district, 19.8% of the
supplementation mostly once per day (64%), feedstuffs such as
respondents provide water to their chickens only during the dry
maize, wheat, sorghum, and household waste products are used as
season, and the remaining 79.2% offered throughout the year, 100%
the main sources of village chicken supplementary feed [37].
from the Quara and Tache Armacheho district provided water for
According to Halima1, 99.28% of farmers in Northwestern Ethiopia
their chicken both in dry and wet season [31].
provide supplementary feeding to their chickens of different age
groups together mostly once a day with maize, barley, wheat, finger In South-Western Ethiopia, 57.78% of owners provide water
millet, and household waste products. In Bench Maji Zone, 100% of adlibitum [25]. According to Halima [1], 99.5% of chicken owners
the respondents practiced a scavenging system with supplementary in northwest Amhara provided water to village chickens. The source
feeding [25]. of water, the water given to chickens was drawn from rivers
(72.22%), and hand-operated (27.78%). In the Bure district, the
In the Gondar Zuria district, 86% of respondents provide
chicken owners provided water to their chicken, 85.4% only during
supplementary feed and 14% of respondents didn’t provide
the dry season and 14.3% throughout the year. Most of the owners
supplementary feed. Although most of the respondents provide
78.9% used ad libitum water supplementation [24].
supplementary feed, it wasn’t enough for better poultry production,
and also it is not providing purposively. About 56% of respondents About 68% of the respondents had locally made watering and
were offered once a day early in the morning, while 28% and 16% of feeding trough made of wood and broken material, while 32% of
respondents were offered two and three times a day, respectively. respondents were had not any watering and feeding trough. In the
About 86% of respondents depended on supplementing grains; Gondar Zuria district, watering and feeding troughs were washing
maize (42.63%), sorghum (14.73%), barley and wheat (10.85%), depending on the availability of time [47]. All village chicken
kitchen waste 16.28%, others (9.3%), and chicken leftovers were owners in the Bure district provided water to their chicken, about
provided by only 6.2% of respondents [47]. 85.4% only during the dry season and 14.3% throughout the year.
Most chicken owners (78.9%) used ad libitum water supply [23]. In
Chickens in North Gondar were getting their feed resources
East Gojam Zone, 27% and 62% of the respondent were filling the
through scavenging. About 55% of households were involved in
varying types of watering troughs twice and more than two times per
scavenging chicken production system and 33% were scavenging
day, respectively for unlimited access [35].
plus grain supplementation. Scavenging was the major feed resource
for chickens in the study area. Chickens were scavenged around Poultry Housing Practice
homes with little feed supplementation by the households. Whole Housing is essential for chickens because it protects them from
households (100%) provided supplementary feeds [30]. Scavenging predators, theft, inclement weather (rain, sun, cold wind, low night
was the major feeding system in Kambata Tambaro and Wolaita temperatures) and provide shelter for egg-laying and broody hens. In
Zones. In addition, the farmers rarely feed their chickens with the rural community, mostly chickens shared a common room with a
leftovers and grains [32]. In Bure district, 82.9% of the production human with a specific separate place (such as perch), and some of
system is based on scavenging, where the majority (96.8%) of the the owners had a separate house for their chickens. In the Oromia
chickens is local chicken ecotypes, with only seasonal/conditional Rift valley, only 14% of the respondents have separate sheds for
feed supplement [23]. Supplementary feed was provided by the chickens. The common housing facilities for chickens were cartoons
majority (97.5%) of chicken owners, while 84.3% of them did this and baskets made of bamboo or a round stick placed in the main
between July to September in Bure [23]. house 58 % and perch 26.6% [37].
In Tsegede Woreda, the dominant poultry production system was Fisseha [24] reported that only 22.1% of farmers provide
an extensive type (83.3%). Chickens were managed mainly on free- separate overnight houses for village chickens. In the Alefa district,
ranging, utilizing various feed sources searching by their own in the about 97.6% of the respondents kept their chicken at night sheltering
field, with conditional feed supplementation. However, only (16.7%) places within the family house and placed it on the floor, and
of the respondent farmers practice a semi-intensive type of chicken covered it with materials made from bamboo that allows ventilation.
management using fences around their homestead [34]. In East Due to lack of awareness and risk of predators, they used shared
Gojam, 100% of the respondent farmers practiced providing rooms with

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7(2): id1112 (2022) - Page - 05 made materials (27.1%), on ceilings of the house (3.6%) and under
humans. Similarly, 100% in the Quara district, and more than 90% at locally constructed sitting place in Bure (1.4%) [23]. Farmers
Tache Armacheho districts, respondents were constructed separate provided night shelter for their chickens either in part of the kitchen
perches for the presence of predators and suffocations [31]. 8.53% (n=6) or in the main house 67.7% (n=49) in separate sheds,
According to Halima [1] in northwest Ethiopia, almost all while purpose-made for chickens were 23.77% (n=17) in Chagni
farmers provided night shelter for their chickens either in part of the [33]. The majority of farmers have housed their chickens by sharing
kitchen (1.36%) or in the main house (39.07%), in hand-woven the same room with perch (59%). The rest 30% and 11% of
baskets (7.29%), in bamboo cages (1.51%) or separate sheds respondents were used different shelters in the same room with the
purposemade for chickens (50.77%). Bogale38 evidenced that, families and separate building houses, respectively in Tsegede [34].
majority of the rural households 59.7% of Fogera district had Almost all farmers provided night shelter for their chickens like in
separate sheds for their chickens. According to Fisseha [24], 22.1% separate sheds purpose-made for chickens 41.1%, using perch
of the respondent prepared separate overnight houses for village 24.4%, using basket 15.6%, in the main house at one of the rooms
chicken, 45.7% use perches inside the house, 27.1% use the floor 11.1% and the remaining 7.8% use either part of the kitchen in East
covered by bamboo made materials, 3.6% use ceilings of the house, Gojam [35].
and 1.4% of the respondent use locally constructed sitting place from Poultry Health Management
mud and stone called ‘medeb’.
The chicken owners experienced the highest chicken death rate
In North Wollo areas the abundant chicken house type was a during the rainy season. The major causes of death were seasonal
room inside the main house 56.86%. Only 15.36% of respondents outbreaks of chicken diseases, particularly Newcastle disease
prepared separate chicken houses. About 37.25% of the respondents (locally known as ‘fengele’), followed by predation. However, there
cleaned their chicken houses twice per week. Besides, farmers also was a problem in identifying the real causes and the type of diseases
have indigenous knowledge in preventing chickens from external that led to chicken deaths since most of the veterinary services given
parasites by smoking (75.82%) or spraying chemicals (12.09%) in to the farmers were not supported with laboratory investigation.
the chicken house and also by sweeping the chicken house with Only 6.66% of the farmers have extension services relating to
locally made alcohol “Arekie” (7.84%) [46]. In the Bure district, chicken diseases and health management. In northwest Ethiopia, the
most of the respondents (59.7%) used separate houses constructed majority of chicken mortalities (72.43%) were not properly
exclusively for poultry. On the other hand, 37.5% were kept their examined and no health management services provided1. Getachew
chickens in the main house [38]. In Dale, Wonsho, and Loka Abaya et al. [25], indicated that 68.33% in North-bench, 63.33% in Sheko,
districts, about 95% of the cases share the main house to spend the and 48.33% in South Bench village chicken owners were
night. In some cases, 5%, the chickens were allowed to roost in experienced chicken disease outbreaks, and the major diseases and
enclosed baskets hanging in the kitchen [28]. According to Halima parasites easily recognized by the villagers were Newcastle disease
[1] in Northwest Ethiopia, farmers confine chickens only during the and lice infestation. The report also indicated that a traditional
night, 51% of them had separate sheds for their chickens, and that treatment (ethnoveterinary) was the major type of treatment used by
74.02% of the household’s clean chickens’ houses once a day while the majority of village chicken owners.
11.66% twice a day. Meseret [29] states that 94.4% in Gomma
Newcastle disease was the most prevalent and economically
district and Eskinder48 reported 92.06% in both Horro and Jarso had
important in North Wollo [46] and Bure districts [23]. Newcastle
separate sheds for their chickens.
disease was believed to be the most devastating chicken disease in
In Gondar Zuria, about 59.3% of the respondents keep poultry in free-range systems and the main cause of the high chicken mortality
the same room with human during nighttime. On the other side, 12% irrespective of age and sex, which occurs any time of the year in
of households reported having separated partition at night time central Ethiopia [50]. The report of Fisseha [24] and Fisseha et al.
enclosure for poultry within family dwelling. The remaining [23] indicated that 97.5% of village chicken owners in Bure were
respondents reported having separate poultry house [47]. Similarly, faced chicken disease problems in their locality. Newcastle disease
in Gonder Zuria, the majority of farmers (58%) housed their was the most prevalent (98.2%) and economically important disease
chickens by sharing the same room with perch. The rest 30% and affecting village chicken production in North Gondar [31]. Similarly,
12% of respondents were used different shelters in the same room in Kambata Tambaro and Wolaita Zone, 84.4% of respondents were
with the families and separate building houses, respectively [49]. experienced disease outbreaks. Generally, the disease was one of the
Almost all of the respondents in the study area provided overnight most important constraints impairing the chicken production system
shelters for their chickens. In North Gondar, about 63% of the under farmer’s management condition because there was a lack of
households constructed a separated confined chicken house [30]. veterinary health service [32].
Only 14% of the respondents constructed separate houses for their
chickens; the other 79.1% dwelling with their owners (perches in the Production and Reproductive
house), 6% perches in the kitchen, and 1.7% in the livestock house in Performance of Village Chickens
Kambata Tambaro and Wolaita Zones [32]. The production and reproductive performance (mean age at first
About 22.1% of owners prepared separate overnight houses for lay, mean age at first mating for cockerels, number of laid
village chickens. However, the majority (77.9%) of village chicken eggs/clutches, number of clutch/years, total egg laying per year) of
owners kept chickens on a various night sheltering places including; village chicken in studies were summarized in Table 3. The overall
perches inside the house (45.7%), on the floor covered by bamboo productivity was very low. For example, according to Tadelle [51]

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and Tadelle et al. [22], between forty to fifty eggs, were laid/year chickens were obtained in the form of purchase, gift, and hatched
and about 12 chicks could get annually per hen. Meseret [29] eggs using broody hens in the home, respectively [1]. According to
reported Tadelle et al. [22], about 70% of breeding females in different
regions of country households originated from hatching at home and
the remaining 30% were purchased. Additionally, Habtamu et al.
7(2): id1112 (2022) - Page - 06 [33] stated that about 21.2, 5.2 and 72.6% of the replacement stocks
that the mean age at a slaughter weight of 1.5kg of the male chickens
for layer chickens were obtained in the form of purchase, gift, and
in the Gomma district was reached at 8.62 months. Similarly, the
hatched eggs, respectively in the Chagni district.
hatchability percentage of eggs in the Tsegede district was 82.7%
in34 and 83% in East Gojam Zone [35]. Meanwhile, to increase the Egg Production and Productivity
laying performance of chicken, farmers in the Rift valley of Oromia The largest egg production comes from the local chicken breed,
usually stimulated broody hens to lay eggs by changing their house but the exotic and hybrid chicken has a contribution (Table 4).
(30%), hanging their leg up down to fixed objects (21%), and Productive hens have on average 9-19 eggs per clutch, while the
providing additional feed (13%). total number of eggs produced from local chicken ranges from 18 to
Culling Practice and Determinant 57 eggs/year/hen, which is very low [1].
Factors for Culling Egg Incubation Practice and Chick
In most parts of the country, farmers have experienced the Survival
culling of chicken for a different reason. According to Getachew et Artificial incubation is not practiced by the owners of indigenous
al. [25], most of the respondents in North-bench (66.67%), Sheko chickens in Ethiopia. For the hatching of chicken eggs, farmers
(65%), and South-bench (56.67%) had their indigenous knowledge depended on broody hens. The total number of eggs incubated per
of culling chicken for the reason of poor productivity, old age, and clutch under a broody hen varied from 7 to 18 and a comparatively
illness. According to Halima1 in northwest Ethiopia, culling of high number of chicks were hatched (7-15) from the number of eggs
chicken due to home consumption or as a source of income was set. Out of the total number of the hatched chicks, 6-12 chicks
53.3%, 19.22% of the chickens were sold because of fear of disease survived to adulthood [1]. The mean number of eggs set per chicken
and 21.81% were sold to generate income. was 13.5±2. The hatching rate was 70.5±11% ranging from 30-90%
Additionally, Addisu et al. [46] reported the means of culling (n=250) [22].
less productive chickens in North Wollo; i.e slaughtering (53.27%), The frequency of egg set to broody hen/year was 1.95 in
selling (41.18%), and devour or sell eggs of unwanted hens (5.56%). northbench, 1.98 in Sheko and 2.10 in south-bench, and the average
In the Bure district, different factors were reported that led farmers number of eggs set to broody hens was 12.1 in North-bench, 11.72 in
to cull their chicken. The respondents cull chickens due to poor Sheko, and 11.27 in South-bench of which the average percentage of
productivity (46.5%), old age and poor productivity (25%), and due hatchability was 78%, 75.5%, and 81%, respectively [25]. 80%
to sickness (5.65%)38. In Kambata Tambaro and Wolaita Zone, the hatchability of eggs by a broody hen is normal, but a range of 75% to
basic reasons for the culling of chicken includes less productivity 80% is considered to be satisfactory [25]. According to Fisseha et al.
(8.8%), old age (5.4%), and old age and low production (59.5%) [23] a higher hatchability performance of local chickens (82.6%)
with an average culling age of 4.3 years, and old age, low was reported in the Bure district.
production, and illness (25.7%). Most of the farmers (82.2%) sold
the culled chicken for income generation purpose [32]. In North Wollo, 88.23% of respondents had a practice of egg and
broody hen selection. Egg selection was also performed based on
A study in Bure by Fisseha et al. [23], reported about 93.9% of size (larger sized) and exotic blood content. Broody hen selection
chicken owners had their indigenous knowledge of culling chickens was conducted based on body size (26.83%) and broodiness ability
purposely. The major type of chickens culled from the flock were; history (73.16%) [47]. In the Bure district, the largest proportion of
old aged chickens 51.4%, lower producers 23.6%, sick chickens 16.8 respondents (81.9%) reported doing incubation during the dry season
and chicken more than need, mainly cockerels 8.2%. The average [38]. The chicken mortality rate was found to be generally high. The
culling age of local cocks was 2.7 years. In the East Gojam zone, overall mortality rate reached up to 49% before the chicks reached
91% of the respondents are experienced in the culling of unwanted two months of age [22].
or less productive chickens from their flock. The basic reasons for
the culling of chicken include less productivity (57.8%), old age with Extension Services
an average culling age of 3.5 years (28.9%), and infection with The ministry of agriculture and rural development has given due
disease (13.3%). Most of the farmers (90%) sold the culled chicken attention to improving agricultural productivity and thus assigned 3
for income generation purpose [35]. On the other hand, farmers development agents for each kebeles. However, only 37.5% of
practicing a selection of productive hen based on their body size chicken owner farmers of the Bure district have been getting proper
(68%), finger accommodation between the pelvic bones (12%), and agricultural extension services related to village chicken production.
pedigree (20%) [37]. Inaccessibility to extension agents was the main reason (31.8%)
identified for the absence of proper extension service concerning
Flock Replacement
village chicken production [24]. Unlikely, in northwest Ethiopia,
Chickens are also kept for a variety of purposes such as to about 70.6% of the chicken growers obtained information about
provide parent stock and for sacrifice. In Northwest Ethiopia, about
61.6%, 5.3%, and 33.2% of the replacement stocks for layer

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Alebachew GW
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improved chicken production systems from market places, chicken and eggs. The highest chicken sales and consumption
neighbors, and extension agents [1]. overlapped with the major social and religious festivals of the year.
Approximately 81% of respondents were not accessed credit These are Ethiopian new year (September 11), Ethiopian Christmas
facility and remaining 19% of respondents were availed credit (January 5), Ethiopian Epiphany (January 19), Ethiopian Easter
facility for village chicken production and about 56% of respondents (April), and St. Mary’s day (August). The periods of low chicken
were sales and consumption coincided with the pre-Easter fasting period
which lasts about two months, from February to March [24,59].
Additionally, chicken prices were fluctuated during the year,
7(2): id1112 (2022) - Page - 07 generally low in the rainy season and high in the dry season.
had not access to training service, this result indicates that training Regarding the marketing channel, most chicken owners (37.9%) sold
and credit service are one constraint for poultry production in their chicken directly to consumers & middlemen (chicken
Gondar Zuria district [48]. collectors), who are involved in chicken marketing. The rest of the
In East Gojam Zone the extension service for the improvement chickens were usually sold to other urban and rural chicken
of poultry production was found to be weak. Little emphasis has producers and retailers [24].
been given to livestock and poultry production activities. Only some Live chicken and eggs are usually sold in local markets to civil
of the respondents (13.3%) utilize the service to a limited extent. The servants and occasionally to middlemen for retail in the larger towns
majority (86.7%) of the respondents do not find extension services and cities of the market sheds. The estimated distance of the
from any stakeholders, mainly from development agents. This was marketplace from the villages varies from 1-7 km with an average of
due to various reasons; specifically, lack of awareness about the 2.8km. According to farm households, the largest off-take rates from
importance (56.7%), not need the service (18.9%), and lack of the flock occur particularly during holidays and festivals and during
availability of the service (12.2%) [35]. the onset of disease outbreaks. The latter is meant to prevent or
minimize expected financial losses from high morbidity and
Marketing System
mortality. In such circumstances, prices fall dramatically due to the
The poultry marketing structure has not been well studied in high supply compared to the demand. At times, nearly all chickens
Ethiopia. The market outlets or channels available to producers are brought to a market should be sold at an available price in order not
diverse at all markets, although their importance differs across to return chickens to home. This is mainly exercised as part of a
markets. The major channels through which producers/farmers sell precautionary measure to prevent the introduction of disease(s) to
their chicken in the markets are directly sold to consumers and/ or flocks at farm sites from markets. Farmers also sell chickens and
small retailers that take the chicken to large urban centers [53]. eggs to meet their cash requirement for small household
However, the farmers do have little knowledge on how the market expenditures [36].
works and why the price fluctuates and have virtually no information
The price of live chicken was determined based on body weight
on market conditions [54]. Thus, most farmers sell chickens within
(41.83%), the combination of comb-type and plumage color
their vicinity. This can attribute to the small number of chickens
(32.35%), and plumage color (25.82%) during buying and selling
offered for sale, long distance to the high-demanding urban and peri-
[45]. Farmers sell their chicken mostly when there is an instant cash
urban markets, and that the selling of chickens is occasional and
need in the house (65.6%) when there were disease outbreaks
based on prevalent pressing needs of the family [53].
(24.4%) and during the major crop planting seasons (10%) usually
Although local consumers generally prefer the indigenous occurred from the beginning of the main rainy season [28].
chicken, the high consumption is associated only with holy days.
Resulted in the largest off-take rates of the flock occur particularly Challenges for Village Chicken
during holidays and festivals and the onset of disease outbreaks [55]. Production and Marketing System in
In such circumstances, prices fall dramatically due to the high supply Ethiopia
compared to demand. Ultimately, affect the producers. In most cases, Disease and predator were the major and economically important
traders use public transportation (buses and minibuses) or hire space problems for poultry production in South Western Ethiopia [25].
in private trucks to transport chicken to terminal markets. During Fluctuation (seasonality) in prices of chicken products was the most
transportation, the chickens may be kept along with other bags sacks and prevailing chicken and egg marketing constraint of Bure district
of grain bundles of firewood by binding their legs together that can [24]. According to Fisseha [24], the main challenges of village
result in considerable loss due to stress [56]. The traditional chicken chicken production are the prevalence of disease and inadequate
and egg collectors from the villages can facilitate the marketing of health care, predators, poor productivity of local chicken ecotypes,
smallholders, however, such marketing structure is overlooked, or and poor chicken management (feeding, housing, and health care).
criticized, as it is not sustainable.
In North Wollo, chicken diseases (60.13%), feed shortage
In developing countries like Ethiopia, village poultry represents a (20.59%), and predator or thefts (19.28%) were the major constraints
significant component of the rural household livelihood as a source of chicken production [45]. Bogale [38] stated that disease (48.6%)
of income and nutrition, and as a gift to strengthen social and shortage of supplementary feed (19.4%) was the major
relationships [4,57,58]. There was a higher variation in the price of constraint in Fogera district. Among the reported constraints of
chicken and egg, due to festivals based on the coat color of the chicken production prioritized by the respondents in North Gondar
chicken and the size of the eggs [47]. There were fluctuations across were disease, predators, market problems, lack of water, and lack of
the months of the year in sales as well as in consumption of both

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Alebachew GW
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extension and veterinary services. Most respondents have frequently 5. Reta D. Understanding the role of indigenous chickens during the long walk
to food security in Ethiopia. Livestock Research for Rural Development.
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Similarly, in the Alefa district, the main bottlenecks that challenge
6. Central Statistical Agency Agricultural Sample Survey 2008/09. Report on
chicken production were poor veterinary and extension services, and Livestock and Livestock Characteristics. Statistical bulletin 446. 2009; 2.
lack of market facilities including access to the main road [31]. 7. Central Statistical Agency Agricultural Sample Survey 2009/10. Report on
Livestock and Livestock Characteristics. Statistical bulletin 468. 2010; 2.
The most five important constraints of poultry production in
8. Central Statistical Agency Agricultural Sample Survey 2010/11. Report on
Northern Gondar were diseases, predators, shortage of Livestock and Livestock Characteristics. Statistical bulletin 505. 2011; 2.
supplementary 9. Central Statistical Agency Agricultural Sample Survey 2011/12. Report on
Livestock and Livestock Characteristics. Statistical bulletin 532. 2012; 2.
10. Central Statistical Agency Agricultural Sample Survey 2013/14. Report on
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Livestock and Livestock Characteristics. Statistical bulletin 573. 2014; 2.
feeds, poultry housing problem, and lack of veterinary health
11. Central Statistical Agency Agricultural Sample Survey 2014/15. Report on
services, in descending order [30]. In the Chagni district, the disease Livestock and Livestock Characteristics. Statistical bulletin 578. 2015; 2.
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12. Central Statistical Agency Agricultural Sample Survey 2015/16. Report on
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In the country, the chicken population has a contribution as a production systems in Manasibu district of West Wellega, Ethiopia.
Proceedings of the 11th Annual Conference of the Ethiopian Society of
source of income and protein food source. However, chickens are Animal Production, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 2003: 141-150.
raised under traditional management practices with poor husbandry
17. Central Statistical Agency Agricultural Sample Survey 1997/08. Report on
practices such as lower levels of feeding, watering, veterinary Livestock and Livestock Characteristics. Statistical bulletin 193. 1998; 2.
service, housing and, breeding practice. Hence, it implies the lower 18. Central Statistical Agency Agricultural Sample Survey 2004/05. Report on
productivity of chicken and its products for example an individual Livestock and Livestock Characteristics. Statistical bulletin 331. 2005; 2.
local chicken laid in a range of 35 to 60 eggs per year. The majority 19. Central Statistical Agency Agricultural Sample Survey 2006/07. Report on
of the chicken population was local genotype with low production Livestock and Livestock Characteristics. Statistical bulletin 388. 2007; 2.
potential. The egg and meat of poultry come mainly from indigenous 20. Central Statistical Agency Agricultural Sample Survey 2007/08. Report on
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has the potential to produce more eggs with the risk of dilution of the production and marketing systems in Ethiopia: Characteristics and
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