Profitability of poultry production among school leavers in Anaocha Local Government area (LGA) of Anambra State, Nigeria

The study was undertaken to investigate the profitability of poultry production in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Ten poultry farmers were randomly drawn from each of the ten autonomous communities that make up the local Government Area to give a sample size of one hundred. Structured questionnaire were employed to elicit information from the respondents. Statistical analysis was accomplished by means of frequency distribution, percentages, Liker/ rating scale and budget analysis technique. Findings of the study indicated that the major source of fund for poultry production among young keepers was personal savings and grants from relatives (71.2%). It was also revealed that young keepers embarked on the project because of its profitability (XY = 4.2), minimal initial capital requirement (Xs = 3.75) and because it can be practiced on a small scale (Xs = 3.5). Result of analysis also indicated that an average young poultry keeper earned a net income of about forty thousand and thirty naira (N-40, 030) in 1998. However, poultry production has some production constraints which include high cost of feed (Xs = 4.10), difficulty in securing loan for expansion (Xs = 3.21) and clean ·water supply (Xs = 3.10). Aforementioned constraints notwithstanding, poultry have offered gainful employment opportunities to young persons in the study area.Keywords: Profitability, poultry production, school leavers, anaocha L.G.A