INTRODUCTION

The training program for agro pastoral entrepreneurs is a program sponsored by the support
program for the renovation and development of professional training in agriculture , livestock
and fishery sector(AFOP) under the ministry of agriculture and rural development
(MINADER)and the ministry of livestock, fisheries and animal husbandry(MINAPIA)This
program aims at training entrepreneurs so as to employ themselves and create jobs for the
population more so providing food foe for the population. The various capability needed to train
these entrepreneurs are impacted in them through classroom teachings by trainers, farm practical,
field trips and internships in schools.

Internship is a period when the trainee is sent out to discover the activities carried out in an agro
pastoral enterprise and its environment with intensive practical study while applying the
theoretical knowledge incurred in the classroom. This is done through data collection which
there after is analysed and interpreted. This internship was carried out in Taka farm Mile 6
2Nkwen in the North West region of Cameroon. The farm was created in 1987 by Mr Taka Pius
and named it Taka farm where his son is now the manager. This internship lasted foe a month
and started from the 29 of April to the 31 of May 2019.

The objective of the internship was to discover an agro pastoral enterprise and its environment.
The different methods of data collection were through ;observation , interview guide,
participation, discussions, textbooks and accessing the web.

The report is subdivided into four chapters; chapter one talks about the physical environment,
chapter two talks about the entrepreneur and the APE, chapter three talks about the production
technique and lastly chapter four talks about the technical and economic analysis of the
production system ending with a conclusion.

CHAPTER ONE

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE ENTERPRISE

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1.0 Physical environment
The physical environment covers the immediate surroundings where the enterprise is located.
Some of this physical factors will include climate, relief, vegetation, soils, hydrography
,flora and fauna as analysed below.

1.1Topography

Topography or relief is the degree of steepness or gentleness of the slopes in a particular place .
Areas in Nkwen show a wide discrepancy in their relief with altitude ranging from 1300m and
260m about sea level. Characteristic features include many hills with gentle to steep slopes. Most
of the high altitude parts of the area lie on the highland mountain chain of the North West region
of Cameroon. This also act as a boundaries between the Nkwen and others with the region like
the Tubah(Bambili), Bamendankwe and Awing.

1.2 Soils

Ferralitic soils are found mostly in the low lying areas of Nkwen while some of the highlands of
Nkwen especially Ndzah have been modified with Orthic soils. Given the hilly nature of some
of this areas ,most of the soils in the mountain slopes have been washed down to the valleys
forming a reach zone of fertile soils . This has greatly influenced the type of material used for
construction i.e. sun dry bricks and crops like Irish potato, cabbage, carrots and spices are grown
on the rich Valley soils. However eucalyptus trees are planted on some areas which have been
heavily leached.

1.3 Vegetation

It is located in the Sudan Savanna zone, the area is endowed with different types of vegetation
which are;

A sub-montane forest which has been greatly degraded

A montane forest

A domesticated sub montane forest.

The landscape is mainly made up of grass and fringes of forest along the gentle slopes and
narrow valleys. Fulanis occupy the grassland areas of the mountain slopes for grazing. Extensive

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grass cover can be found around the rural areas of the rural areas of Nkwen and especially on the
Ndzah hills there is a carpet-like vegetation which gives a touch of beauty to the landscape.
However the vegetation types have greatly degraded over the years. This has been as a result of
constant bushfires set by hunters and grazers and sometimes accidentally by the farmers who
practice slash and burn not leaving out the effect of urban sprawl. Most of the Lowland areas
have cleared to make room for the cultivation of cash crops notably cabbage ,carrots , Irish
potato and spices.

1.4 Hydrography

Nkwen is located in Bamenda III which is well drained by rivers like Nki Ndimunworo, Nki
Lepakan, Nki Wasung, Nki Mefuh, Nki Ntse, Nki Finkibong, Nki Tohntah and so on. The have
various uses such as washing, laundry ,cooking, construction of houses and irrigation (market
gardening). Some of the rivers act like boundaries between the different chiefdoms and
quarters.

1.5 a) Flora

Low lying areas of Nkwen have ferralitic soils which favour the cultivation of crops like maize,
Irish potato, cabbage, carrots, spices, Huckleberry, yams, etc.

Table.1 Common plants in Taka farm and its environment

Common name Scientific name Uses

Maize Zea mays Used as food, feed
formulation and
commercialization
Plantain Mua aspecies Used as food

b) Fauna This refers to the different animals found in an area. The vegetation or Nkwen favours
the keeping of cattle, sheep and goats which is main5 done by the Mbororos. However due to the
fact that there is no demarcation, especially for farming and grazing, farmer-grazer conflicts
usually arise. Other animals domesticated here include cane rats, fowls and ducks which are
mainly for sale and local consumption. Santa-ngemba forest located within this area possess

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animal species like monkeys, deer, rabbits and squirrels which are been hunted down for human
consumption and sale.

Table .2 Animal types in Taka farm and its environment

Common names Scientific names Uses

Cattle Borus taurus Beef production
Dog Canislupus familiaris For security purpose
Layer birds Gallus gallus domesticus Egg production and meat
Earthworm Lumbriscus terrestris Aerates the soil

1.6 Climate

Climate is the average atmospheric condition of a place recorded over a long period of time
usually 30 to 35 years. The climate here has different elements like; temperature, rainfall,
sunshine and wind. Nkwen shows great ecological variations and consequently climate
variations. This greatly influence settlement patterns and agricultural activities. The type of
climate found here is the Guinea-Savanna climate. The climate is marked by two distinct
seasons; the dry and rainy season. The rainy season usually begins around March to mid
October. The rainfall ranges between 2000-3000mm per annum. The dry season is usually from
October to February. The nights are very cold while the days are very hot. Strong winds and
clouds cover characterise the area. Heavy clouds usually descend from the hills and during such
occurrence visibility is very poorpo

Table 3. Rainfall in Mile 6 Nkwen in millimetres (2014-2018)

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 Year|Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2015 5.6 6.0 101.5 83.2 146.7 403.9 471.4 381.3 500.4 255.4 51.2 00
2016 00 00 66.8 150.2 167.1 486.3 315.6 277.9 306.5 161.2 00 00
2017 11.4 00 5.356 104.5 174.3 307.5 222.3 324.0 305.5 171.0 38.3 00
Source: Bamenda airport at Nsoh Bafut subdivision

Temperature

Temperature measures the degree of warmness or coldness of a place. The table below show the
changes in the year 2014-2017. For example, projected increases in temperatures, changes in
precipitation patterns, changes in extreme weather events, and reductions in water availability
may all result in reduced agricultural productivity. Temperature affects germination in three
primary ways: moisture, hormone production, and enzyme activity. For seeds to germinate, they
need to imbibe water. For this to occur, sufficient moisture must be present. A warmer climate
may increase evaporation and decrease moisture, which would negatively affect germination.
This are has a moderate temperature of about 21°C with the temperature being higher in the rainy
season favouring the keeping if animals and production of crops, during the dry season places are
cold in the morning and evening while there is an increase in heat intensity in the afternoon. This
variation in temperatures helps in ripening of fruits.

Table 4. Temperature of Nkwen from 2015-2017

Year|Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2015 18.55 22.07 22.17 22.06 22.57 21.86 21.57 21.50 21.40 21.45 26.10 24.10
2016 19.05 20.95 19.58 20.50 20.02 20.05 19.49 18.88 21.70 22.58 20.76 19.79
2017 18.4 20.0 21.8 23.71 23.05 22.6 21.85 21.85 20.7 22.95 21.47 20.44

II Socio-cultural environment

II.1 Population

Nkwen is made up of about 110252 inhabitants from the different parts of the country. The
population movement took place around the 18 and 19 century and their inter-ethnic relationship
is cordial. The share boundaries with Bafut, Mankon, in the west Mendankwe and Ndzah in the
south and Bambui in the East.

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Population distribution of Nkwen by age and sex

The active population hear is the youths who provide labour force for the agricultural activities
carried out like crop cultivation and animal keeping. The urban areas of Nkwen are characterized
with a dense population while the suburb has a sparse population

The population on Nkwen consist of the old, youths and children as seen below

Table.5 Population distribution of age and sex in Nkwen

Men 27894 25.3%

Women 29768 27%
Youths 49834 45.2%
Children 2756 2.5%
Total 110252 100
Source: Bamenda III council.

Ethnic groups

Bamenda III has two main clans, the Nkwen and Ndzah. The Nkwen people who are part of the
Tikari group migrated from northern Nigeria passing through Ndop and Njinikom in Kom then
through Bafut to Atelia from where they settled at their present site. Apart from the Tikari other
ethnic groups have also settled there like the Ngwerons, Wibum and the Fulanis.

Nkwen is headed by a Fon followed by the sub chiefs and quarter heads . Such arrangement is
for easy governance.

Birth rate, Death rate, Natural increase

Birth rate(BR): It is the number of births pee thousand of the population per year

BR= Number of births × 1000

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 Total population 1

BR=4200/110252×1000

BR =38.1

Death rate (DR): It is the number of deaths recorded per thousand of the population per year

DR= Number of deaths ×1000

Total population 1

DR=1557/110252×1000

DR=14.1

Natural increase: This is the difference between births and deaths

Growth rate=BR-DR ×100

Total population

=38.1-14.1÷110253x100

Growth rate= 0.02

II.2 Customs and Tradition

Nkwen is headed by a Fon followed by a sub chief and quarter heads. They have two “country
Sundays” the big and small country Sunday. On the big country Sunday called Zentie,people are
not allowed to work anything especially farm, no burial and with the small called Seka people
are allowed to do harvesting, This has a negative influence on agriculture since crop which are
ready may get bad in the farm. This day is set aside for resting and anybody who goes to the
farm is fined. Also on this particular day sacrifices are being made.

There exist secret societies like Nkwen Kwifoh. Sacrifices are been performed for blessings like
soil fertility ,rainfall for crops to do well and the protection of the land. The Kwifoh act as a
supreme judge when there is a conflict. The is also in charge of the sanctions when atrocities are
been committed within the village and also in charge sacrifice and rituals like pouring of libation

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to the ancestors. The traditional dish of the Nkwen people is Achu and yellow soup while their
traditional dresses are called

Tog(gown) for men and small cap called Nkimbare while that for the women is called
Awindo(Short skirt) and their dance group is called Mbagalum and the elderly women are called
Ma-foh and Magwe.

Fon

Kwifoh

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 Traditional council

Sub chiefs

Quarter heads

Figure 1:Flowchart representation of hierarchy in Nkwen

Agricultural population: All the inhabitants of Nkwen are engaged in agriculture on one way or
the other. Agriculture is becoming popular even at the level of the urban space. The population
that are involved in agriculture consist of men and women of age 18 to 60 years and some who
are between 18 to 30 are mostly students, Within the Nkwen vicinity for every four households
one household is either involved in livestock or crop production. The agricultural schedule shows
that cultivation is continuous especially for vegetables. Harvesting is mostly done from July to
September. Major crops cultivated are; Irish potato, bananas, yams, cassava, maize, sweet potato,
groundnut, tomato, beans, cowpea, Huckleberry and fruits like pea, mangoes, guava etc.

III:Economic environment

Financial institutions: Nkwen has banks( NFC bank, Ecobanks), credits unions (Bamenda
credit union) money transfer, express exchange, express union, mobile money, orange money
etc. All this institutions help the farmers to save money, Take loans to improve on their
production process.

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Market: Nkwen has few markets with the mile 2 being their main market and Mile 4 subsidiary
market at Mobile and other smaller ones in the quarters that usually take place weekly like that
of the Foncha junction usually on Wednesday, New road on Saturdays and that below Foncha on
Saturdays Mankon. This markets help the agriculturalists to buy their input and also sell their
produce.

Infrastructure: Within Nkwen houses were constructed using typical mud blocks. Thatched
houses which were popular are no longer common giving rise to modern and durable house
construction pattern whereby cement blocks and tiles are used for construction and corrugated
iron sheets are used for roofing. Small difference lies between the Fulanis who have their
traditional huts which are gradually been replaced with general modern pattern.

Associations: Associations in Nkwen include SHUMAS which stands for strategic

humanitarian services Cameroon which is not for profit making has a head office at Mile 6
Nkwen, Foundation for community development association(FCDA)at mile 3,CAMGIS,North
west farmers organization (NOWEFOR). This associations help the farmers in providing with
aids in farms tools and modern techniques on how the can enhance production.

CIGs: There is a net processing initiative group which supply day old chicks ,feed processing,
three weeks old fowls and table birds.

Cooperatives: There exist the North West pig farmer's cooperative and Cameroon youth
investment and saving credit union. This helps farmers the farmers save money for future use.

IV Analysis on the general knowledge of the APE

IV.1 Proposed solutions depending on the data collected.

 The enterprise should try and arrange their road to ease movement.
 A sign board should be placed around for signification
 Laying boxes should be placed directly on the litter to prevent the cracking or eggs.
 Water bath should be placed at the entrance of the farm so that visitors should disinfect
their hands and feet before entering the farm

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  To reduce cannibalism among births, shades should be created so as to reduce the birds
vision and also grasses should be thrown to them for distracting so that they feed on the
grasses and not flesh of other birds.
 To prevent the entry of stray animals in the farm(dogs),a solid fence should be
constructed to prevent disease spread from stray animals ,predation and theft.
 Tall trees around the farm should be cut down to retarded the accommodation of
predator birds like hawks, owls etc.
 Since packaging to the market is done using cartons, the trays should be well arranged to
prevent breakage of eggs.
 Drinkers should be washed on daily basis to prevent the accumulation of pathogens
which may in turn cause harm or diseases to the birds.

IV.2 Strengths and weaknesses of the environment

Strengths are the advantages of the environment which are;

 There is enough land for the extension of the enterprise at Mile 6.

 There is ready market (Nkwen and Mankon market)and provision stores which enable
the farmer to sell his products.
 There exist can accessible farm to market road which facilitates the movement of farms
products to the market.
 The farmer has assistance from the family in the selling of the eggs.

The following are weaknesses of the environment

 Lack of sign board directing the enterprise leads to confusion for first timers.
 Some of the roads are untarred and become muddy during the rainy season which
increases fuel consumption ,cost of production and make movement difficulties.
 The farm has got tall trees which accommodate predator birds like hawk and owls which
scare the birds leading to so many deads.
 The enterprise is not well fenced and this cause the cattle to jump into neighboring farms
and cause havoc.

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  Frequent power failure at night which lead water shortage for birds.
 Disease outbreak also causes deaths.

IV.3 Agro pastoral activities in which the trainee would like to operate on and Why

An agro pastoral activity in which the trainee would like to operate on is the keeping of layer
bird and crop cultivation reason being that;

 Less capital is out in and more profit maximized from the garden sector and fast turn over
in the poultry sector. Furthermore the farming will lead to a mutual cooperation between
plants and animals as dropping from fowls will serve as manure for the garden and the
maize in turn used to compound feed for the fowls

CHAPTER TWO

The Entrepreneur and the APE

I. Historical background of the promoter and the APE

Taka Taka was started in 1987 by Mr Taka Pius in Metah quarter Atuazire Mankon. He was
a tailor by profession but could not meet up with his family needs from he income from his
job. Since he admired one of his tenants who had fowls in his compound and was succeeding.
This encouraged him and started by keeping 50 broilers. This went on successful and he
continued.

In 1992, his son Mr Senghor Forka who dropped out of school after his advanced level and
was selling day old chicks for SPC and saw the need to improve this business since his father
was aging. Mr Forka made his research and learnt about high demand for eggs and was
interested. He then started in a one building of 10×20m harbouring a thousand layer birds. He
got his skills from seminars, reading of books, internet research and from SPC as of now.

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 The father is late and he is now the manager of the enterprise. The farm is a one man’s
business and can manage a flock of 10000 births.

In 2004 he joined a CIG and in 2006 he won the first prize of egg production in North West
Region since then he continued with the sole proprietorship.

II Evolution of the structure

The enterprise started in 1987 at a total surface area of 3hectares in both Mile 6 Nkwen and
Mankon. With 2.5 hectares in Mile 6 and half a hectare in Mankon. Presently the enterprise
is still operating on the same surface area implying there has been no evolutional increase in
surface area of the land.

The farm started operating same year that is 1987 with one worker which was the manager
but had assistance from his family and presently there are 6 permanent worker; 2 at the feed
formulation unit in Mankon and 4 in the poultry farm in Mile 6 Nkwen. The workers are all
skilled and the enterprise still receives assistance from the family of the manager. Working
days are from Monday to Sunday as from 7:00am to 4:00pm. The speculation of the manager
is that he will increase the number of birds, cattle and sheep in the nearest future.

The manager also plans to switch from the deep litter system if keeping birds to a keeping in
a battery cage and increases the number of workers.

Table.6 Material and equipment’s

Tools and equipment’s Number

Wheelbarrow 1
Spades 2
Cutlass 6
Bucket 22
Rain boots 4
Hoes 5
Laying nest 20

III Organogram of the enterprise

Manager
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 Workers

Feed Crop Animal production

formulation production

Figure 2: Organogram if the enterprise

IV Land Management

Taka farm has two plots; one in Mankon and the other in Mile 6 Nkwen. The farm in Mile 6
Nkwen occupies 2.5 hectares . The farm in Mankon occupies half a hectare and compose of the
feed formulation unit, a family house and two 10×20m houses which are empty as of now.

At the entrance of the farm in Mile 6 Nkwen, there is a house which serve as an office to the
enterprise and its there too that workers change into their working attire before entering the farm
in the office. On entering the gate to your right is a cow and goat pen which is vertical and linked
to the gate. Just besides the goat and cow pen is a small road which seperate the first poultry
house from the pen. Just behind the second poultry house there exist a toilet which seperate the
first poultry house from the second. The second poultry house is linked to the store in which feed
is being stored and eggs are been graded. It is also link to the quarantine where birds with
abnormalities are being kept for treatment. Behind the second poultry house is a farm space
where the cattle and goats are being fed. In the middle of the empty land is brooding house
where day old chicks are being kept. All the houses are constructed that the length is
perpendicular from the East West direction if the rising and setting sun. This allows the birds to
benefit from the warmth of the sun and tap vitamins D as they bask in its rays. They are also

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against wind direction to allow air to easily pass through and remove the ammonia gas
accumulated in the house.

V. Analysis of the enterprise

From the background it shows that a great increase has been recorded since the first promoter
had 50 broilers and now the promoter has about 10000 layers and about 77 sheep and 4 cows.

In the analysis of the choice of the promoter of the enterprise depending on the two farms and in
consideration if factors of chapter 1 and 2, It is noticed that the farm at Metah quarter is not in a
good site reason been that it is town and the settlement there is compact which leads to high
insecurity and theft. Also the high level of industrialization in the town leads to the release of
poisonous gases which(pollution) from his hammer mill to may have negative influence on the
birds. Also there are a lot of stray animals around like dogs cats and domestic birds which can
introduce diseases to the farm. The settle in Mile 6 is far from settlements which favour the well
being on the birds as there is less insecurity, theft, pollution as compared to the case with Metah
quarter.

Also visitors do not disinfect their feet before getting into the farm and cars too move in and out
the farm and this is of high disadvantage to the birds as they introduce disease and poisonous
gasses respectively. Lohman Brown is the specie kept here for its efficient egg producing
capabilities and resistance to diseases.

New choices proposed for the enterprise

 The farm in Meta quarter should be transferred to Mile 6 since there is vast land in mile 6
for accommodation.
 A solid gate should be constructed all around the farm to prevent the entry of stray
animals and the exit of cattle which usually leave the farm and cause destruction in
neighbouring farms.
 Dogs should be kept in cages to prevent predation and disease spread.
 Security cameras should be installed and night watch should be put in place.
 A disinfectant should be made available at the entrance of the farm for disinfection and
cars should be packed outside the gate.
 The cow and goat pen should be modernized.

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 CHAPTER THREE

Production technique

I. Crop production

I.1. Speculations

He does mixed farming with maize being the only crop cultivated at Taka farm Mile 6 is the
maize plant which is often harvested and sold immediately after harvesting the fresh stalks are
been harvested and used to make silage for his cattle and sheep to feed on during time of
scarcity (dry season)

I.2 Surface area

Taka farm in Mile 6 Nkwen is 2.5 hectares and one hectare is occupied by the buildings while
1.5 is used for the cultivation of maize. The sheep and cow pen is partitioned into two and
occupies 3×15m. The two Poultry buildings have a dimension of 12×50m each building is
partitioned into 5rooms of 10×12m consisting of 1000birds.

I.3 Acquisition of inputs

Farm inputs for crop production are usually being bought from production centres like IRAD
Bambui or are gotten from the market like other farm tools. Other inputs used are the fowl
dropping which is gotten from the farm for the growth of maize.

I.4 Technique and calendar of production

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Table.7: calendar of production

Technique Time
Land preparation December ending -March
Planting Mid March-mid April
Maintenance (weeding, April-May
fertilizer application, crop
protection)
Harvesting Early June
Source: Manager

I.5 Land preparation

Land which is a factor of production is a natural resource needed for production (cultivation of
crops and rearing of animals). The land used for crop cultivation was inherited from parents and
grandparents. The main crop cultivated here is Maize. The land is been cleared of grass to give
room for the tractor by workers and labourers after which the tractor tills the soil making it soft
and getting it ready for planting. This activities always take place from December ending.

I.6 Planting

The maize specie been planted here is the Pannar hybrid. Maize hear is been planted during the
dry season after tilling by a tractor with feeding zone or 30×80cm. This planting is done in a
straight line and then watered for growth to start.

I.7 Maintenance (weeding, application of fertilizer and crop protection)

When the maize start growing, it grows alongside some unwanted grasses, the bed is then
moulded and after weeding the fertilizer is then applied to boost up growth. When the crop start
developing the maize,the maize is been sprayed with insecticides and pesticides and any other
bacteria and viruses that can get the plant infected.

I.8 Harvesting (conservation, transformation and commercialization)

When the maize is ready, buyers (mainly women who roast and sell) come and harvest
themselves while the workers only offer little assistance during counting. They matured ones are
harvested while the premature ones are left behind to get mature. When the left over start getting

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dry the workers harvest and sun them after which it is treated with insecticides then are been put
in bags. The money gotten from the sales is used to purchase maize from other farmers at a
cheaper price and used to compound feed for the birds. The remaining cops after harvesting is
used to make silage for the cattle and sheep.

II Animal production

II.1 Species

 The main bird species in Mile 6 Nkwen is the Lohman Brown which has advantages as
listed below.
 They produce good quality eggs with brown shells for the ready market.
 They are not too expensive to buy neither are they scarce.
 They are resistant to diseases.

II.2 Acquisition of inputs

Most inputs in the farm are been purchased as some are gotten as gifts from family and friends
and from support from agric shows and other government supports. Inputs in the feed
formulation unit like soya beans, fish meal are been gotten from Belgocam in Baffoussam. Other
inputs like vaccines are gotten from Alivette and Merriam in Douala while others like buckets,
feeders etc. are gotten from the Bamenda market.

II.3 Herds

This refers to all the domestic animals assembled together under watch or ownership of a keeper.
The main animals kept in Taka farm are;

 Layer birds (Lohman brown) use in the production of eggs

 Cows (African long leg) fattened for sell
 Sheep(Zebu) reared for commercial purposes

II.4 Animal health

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Health management is carried out when animal has been discovered and is delicate because it
may lead to many deaths before disease is discovered. The drinkers are washed once a week. The
farm is disease prone since diseases are mostly air born and a few parasites. There is no
disinfectant that’s why the diseases are rampant. Treatment is been administered on them
through drinking water etc. He carries out curative measures.

Table.8: Common diseases, symptoms and Treatment

Disease Signs Treatment

Coccidiosis(red diarrhea) Watery stool Improlium for 3days
Red stain in stool
Pollorum(white diarrhea) Watery stool Flumeso\100 or 200 flotation
White stain in stool
Gumboro Trembling
Weight loss
Infectious bronchiotis Not active Water
Weight loss
New Castle Swollen heads Anti stress(Alisery)
Difficulty in breathing

II.5 Feeding, Transformation

Feeding is mostly done during cold hours of the day. The fowls are fed two times per day i.e. in
the morning at 8:00am and in the afternoon at 1:00pm. The feed is been poured in rectangular
feeders which are made of plank and a fixed handle. The size of the feed particles depends on the
age of the birds and increases as they grow. This means that the smaller the birds the smaller or
finer the size of their feed while the bigger the birds the coarser their feed. Feed for young birds
have a high proportion of proteins to build the system than carbohydrates. The protein is 20%
and reduces to 18% as they grow. There are three main type of feed but with layers it is been
modified as the weight and age goes. The starter is given from day 1 to the fourth week, grower
is given from the fifth to the fifteenth week and ending up with the layer feed.

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II.6 Systems and Techniques of animal rearing, commercialization

The system of rearing here is the deep litter system. The chicks are kept on the floor together
with their feeders, drinkers and laying boxes are been hanged up so that birds don’t crack eggs
with their beaks.

Techniques of animal rearing refer to how the egg production is been carried out i.e. from egg,
chick, pullets and layers. To ensure quality production the following measures must be put in
place. He does semi intensive grazing using local breeds of sheep and cows. Has got no skills
regarding the cattle so skilled labour for the cattle is always hired.

 Before bringing in the chicks check if everything is in good working order.

 The house should be warmed up 35-36°c and heating should be done at least 24hours
before the chicks are been brought in
 Temp regulations should be frequent.
 Make sure the farm is disinfected and free from diseases with hygiene at its best.
 Vaccines should be given on time so as to reduce deaths and disease spread.
 Ensure that the birds feed well i.e. feed composition should have all the necessary
ingredients needed for their growth.
 Also ensure that there is adequate water supply.

Below is a scheme of feed formulation containing the components and masses for the starter,
grower and layer.

Table.9 Feed formula to produce 500kg of feed

Component Starter (kg) Grower(kg) Layer(kg)

Maize 200 210 210
Rice brown 122 133 108.5
Soya beans 80 50 65
Fish meal 7.5 10 10
Groundnut cake 76 60 50
Sea shell 5 40 40
Bone meal 5 12.5 12.5
Elitox 0.5 0.5 0.5

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 Premise 2.5 2.5 2.5
Salt 1.5 1.5 1.5
Total 500 500 500
Source: Taka farm records

Table.10 Components and functions

Component Function
+Maize and rice brand Supply the birds with
carbohydrates which give
them energy
Soya beans A plant proteins source which
provide the birds with
indispensable amino acids
Fish meal Animal proteins
Borne meal and seashell Provides the birds with
phosphorus and calcium
which help in egg shell
formation
Groundnut cake Provides the birds with fats
and oils
Elitox Detoxifies feed from toxins
Premise Provides vitamins for the
birds
Salt Provides minerals like
sodium,chlorine,iodine etc.

Commercialization of products is done in the farm and some are being carried to Mbengwi and
in Mankon town. Commands are been given through the manager and workers. He doesn’t
advertise his products. The price of the products is been determined by the market and
time(period ). During school periods the demand for eggs is high and the price too is high.

The price for his eggs per tray are as follows

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  Normal size=1700
 Medium size =1800
 Large size= 2000
 Cracked = 1200

The dirty eggs are always cleaned with a knife or sponge and mixed with the rest.

III Technical analysis of the production system.

III.1 Influences of the environment, the promoter and APE on the production

The environment, promoter and the APE both influence the production system negatively and
positively.

Environment here refers to the physical and natural aspect of a place such as soil, flora and
fauna as well as streams.

This aspects affect the production system positively as follows;

 The farm is located on the valley whose soils are very fertile. This fertility is
as a result of the washing down of nutrients from the mountain slopes hence
creating a zone of fertile soils on the valley.
 The farm has got vegetation types like elephant grass which serve as food to
the cattle and sheep.
 The cattle and birds in turn provide cow dung and fowl dropping respectively
which is used as manure in the cultivation of the maize.
 The farm is a sole proprietorship so the manager makes decisions alone to
ensure the effective flow of activities in the production system.

The negative influences are;

The promoter affects farm negatively in that any wrong decision he makes slows down the
production system since he makes decisions alone.

III.2 Relationship between strengths, opportunities, historical background of the promoter

and the production system.

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The relationship between the strengths, opportunities and the historical background of the
promoter gives us the advantages of the enterprise as outlined below.

 There is vast land for the continuation of the production process and expansion.
 The farm has skilled workers who see into it that everything is in good working other
hence enhancing the production system.
 There’s a ready market for the products.
 There is also family assistance in the production process
 The manager has passion for work so are the workers hence enhancing the production
process

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 CHAPTER 4

TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE PRODUCTION SYSTEM

1. Result Analysis
1.0 Gross Proceed(G.P)
This is the amount of produce over a piece of land in a year as shown on the table
below.
Table.11. Gross proceed
Item Amount Unit price(FCFA) Total
Eggs 210trays\day
Large eggs 69.6 trays 2000 139860
Medium size 105 trays 1800 189000
Small size 31.5 trays 1700 53550
Cracked eggs 3.6 trays 1200 4320
Manure 5 bags\day 200 10000
Total 396730
Source: Taka farm

Output /year=396730×365
G.P = 51305770

Intermediary consumption (IC)

These are those inputs that are used during the production cycle. They are as seen below

Table.12 Intermediary consumption

Item Quantity Unit price (FCFA) Total

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 Feed 1 fowl consumes 7kg 300 70000×300=21000000
of feed throughout his
life cycle
10,000birds =7×10000

=70,000kg
Feeders 16 per room 2500 2500×160=400,000
10rooms= 16×10=160
Drinkers 6 per room 16000 960000
10rooms=6×10=60
Vaccines 1270000
Total 23630000

I.1 Gross Added value(GAV)

This is wealth created during the production system.

GAV=GP-IC

GAV=51305700-23630000=48942770

Land productivity (LP)

This is the amount or wealth created by a hectare of land occupied by a given production system.
It is expressed in Francs per hectare

GAV÷Total surface area

48942770÷3hectares(30,000m2)

LP= 1631.4FCFA|m2

Labour productivity

This it is the man day amount of money that is obtained per hour of work by a worker

GAV÷Working hours

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In the enterprise they work 8 hours per day

The are 6 workers both in Mile 6 and Mankon

In a year=8×6×365=17520

WP =48942770÷17520

WP =2793.5

Depreciation table

This is a table which shows how fixed and variable assets are wearing and tearing with time.

Table.13 Depreciation table of Taka farm

Tools| Quantity Unit Lifespan Scrap Total

equipment price(FCFA) (years) value price
(FCFa)
Hammer mill 1 550000 20 2750 550000
Mixer 1 2000000 20 100000 2000000
Automatic 25 9500 20 11875 237500
drinkers
Buckets 7 1000 2 3500 7000
Buildings 4 1500000 20 300000 6000000
Drums 4 10000 20 2500 40000
Spades 1 3500 4 875 3500
Wheelbarrow 1 25000 4 6250 25000
Generator 1 150000 10 15000 150000
Water tank 2 100000 10 20000 200000
Big scale 1 15000 5 3000 15000
balance
Small scale 1 5000 4 1250 5000
balance

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 Laying boxes 10 4000 5 4000 40000
Water pump 2 250000 10 50000 500000
Cars 4 4000000 10 800000 8000000
Cutlass 4 2000 4 1250 6000
Sprayer 1 20000 10 2000 20000
Total 13530000 17799000

Net Added Value(NAV)

This is the difference between GAV and total overhead cost

It is gotten by subtracting overheard cost or scrap value from the GAV

NAV =GAV-TOTAL SCRAP VALUE

NAV =48942770-13530000

NAV =35412770

Depreciation Ratio(DR)

It is calculated by dividing the total depreciation by the total cost

DR =13530000÷17799000=0.76

I.2 Technical evolution of the production system

The enterprise has evolved technically in that;

 The promoter has skilled workers who have good knowledge in the process of
production hence leading to a high productivity
 More so the promoter has acquired knowledge regarding poultry and feed
formulation from seminars, research on the internet and private courses online.
This has provided him with enough knowledge on the different areas of poultry
farming.
 The production system as also evolved in the sense that the pig fence has been
modernized hence enhancing the production process.

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I.3 Economic evolution of he production system

 The production system has evolved economically in that Mr Taka started with 50 broilers
but from then till now there has been an increase because the farm at Mile 6 Nkwen now
host 10000 layers which shows a positive evolution of the farm.
 Also Mr Forka use to buy day old chicks but now the farm has a brooding house where
day old chicks are been processed.

More so Mr Forka use to buy feed but he now has a feed formulation unit in Mankon.

I.4 Working calendar

Table 14: Working calendar for maize

Activities J F M A M J J A S O N D
Acquisition X
of inputs
Land X
preparation
Planting X
Weeding X X
Hilling-up X
Fertilizer X X
application
Harvesting X X

Inputs are bought in the month of December; the land is prepared in the month of January while
waiting for the rains to come in February. When it does, planting is done in the same month.
After a month weeding goes on with fertilizer application and Hilling up which is the removal of
unwanted grass to accelerate growth. After 3 months harvesting starts from April and May.

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II.Global analysis

There exist high interaction between the workers and the manager because of the fact that they
are all skilled workers and therefore provide have high technical know-how .Decision making is
done by the manager alone. Decision making at times is always slow due to manager’s absence
and affects the enterprise negatively.

III Concluding on the analysis

The trainer should remain in the initial hypothesis. The production system allows the promoter to
survive as there has being an increase in capital over the past years. There are insufficient
resources for the activities of the enterprise even though the are nit fully utilized. The labour
force shiu9 be increased so as ro increase the usage of the available resources.

I suggest the factors of production (land, labour and capital) be increased to attain a higher
productivity and maximize more profits.

The project I propose to the structure is a solid gate construction round the farm to prevent the
cattle from leaving the farm and causing destruction on neighbouring farms. This too is to
prevent the entry of stray animals like dogs ,cats etc.

The enterprise should acquire new working materials and equipment to boost up production.

Also the sheep and cow pen should be modernized

IV.1 Difficulties of the trainee

The difficulties faced during the internship are al follows;

 The transport fair from home to the farm is costly due to the bad roads
 Data collection wasn’t effective due to insecurity
 Couldn’t manipulate the hammer mill and silage machine since it was the first time.

IV.2 Solutions to trainees problems

 The government should see into it that good and accessible roads are made available to
the general public.

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  The government should ensure that the economy is safe and sound for the well being of
its citizens.
 The school administration should see into it that that the students get acquired knowledge
on the different aspects of what the are going to discover in their internship.

Conclusion

The internship ended on the 31 of May 2019 with the objective of the intern being to discover an
agro pastoral enterprise and its environment. It was a great success since the objectives were
attained at the end.

Most if my expectations were reached during the internship especially as it concerns my career
as an entrepreneur. By taking part in all the activities of the enterprise and applying the

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knowledge from school, Much was learned and taken into consideration. I learnt how to keep
fowls(layers),how their feed is compounded and how silage is made for the cattle. I must say
this internship created me an awareness on what entrepreneurship is all about in practice.

Despite the success, I encountered some limitations like much rainfall which at times cause me
to go late and even distort work. Insecurity too was a negative influence on me and equally
useful information not given to interns during the period. A solution to solve the problem is that
the school administration should send out students on for internship during periods of dry
weather and too internship Masters should be well drilled on what to give to interns during their
internship. For insecurity the government should see into it that peace is reigning in the
economy.

Bibliography

 Past report of Taka farm Mile 6 Nkwen

 Lohman brown classic management guide recommended by the manager

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Appendices

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33