Employment and income generation through family poultry in low-income food-deficit countries

Family poultry production (FP), which is still important in low-income food-deficit countries, is an appropriate system to supply the fast-growing human population with high quality protein. It can also provide additional income to the generally resource-poor small farmers, especially women. Although requiring low levels of inputs, FP contributes significantly to food security, poverty alleviation and ecologically sound management of natural resources. FP is also a source of employment for underprivileged groups in many local communities. However, constraints facing FP production systems include poor management conditions and poorly developed marketing structures for the products. The skills of small farmers in all aspects of poultry management must be improved through training and education. Poultry farmers should also be provided with credits or loans, taking into account the economic circumstances and socio-cultural context in which the beneficiaries live. In addition, the marketing system must be improved, for the benefit of both FP keepers and consumers.