Poultry and Socio Economic Rural Development in Rural Rwandan Areas

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF RWANDA
FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND AGRI-BUSINESS
ACADEMIC YEAR 2011-2012
CONTRIBUTION OF POULTRY FARMING IN SOCIO-ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT OF RWANDAN RURAL AREAS
CASE STUDY: GISAGARA DISTRICT
A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Agriculture for the fulfillment of the Requirements for
the award of Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural economics and Agribusiness
By: BUCYANA Souvenir Jean Jacques
Supervisor: Dr. NGABITSINZE J. Chrysostome
Co-supervisor: Mr. NKURUNZIZA Issa
HUYE, July 2012

DECLARATION
I, BUCYANA Jean Jacques Souvenir, declare upon the word of my spelling that, the work
submitted in this dissertation is my original work and it has never been submitted to any
university or institution of higher learning.
Author’s names: Supervisor’s names:
Mr. BUCYANA Souvenir Jean Jacques Dr. NGABITSINZE J. Chrysostome
Date………………………… Date…………………………
Signature…………………... Signature…………………...
Co-Supervisor’s names:
Mr. NKURUNZIZA Issa
Date…………………………
Signature……………………
Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page ii

DEDICATION
This dissertation is graciously dedicated to:
The Almighty God,
My regretted father,
My beloved mother,
My brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews and
Heartfelt friends.
Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page iii
ABSTRACT
Gisagara district is among 8 districts of the Southern province where agriculture sector remains
the main engine of income generation to the farmers. The district is highly populated with a
density of more than 400 habitants/km2 .The district’s economy relies on agriculture where
animal husbandry is practiced with traditional methods, this leading to both production and
productivity remaining well below potential and losses and wastage are high. This was the
reason to conduct this research entitled “Contribution of poultry farming in socioeconomic
development of Rwandan rural areas”.
The global objective of this study was to assess the contribution of poultry farming in rural
Rwandan areas mainly in Gisagara district to find out its effect on livelihood improvement.
There were a number of research questions that were addressed to investigate the contribution of
poultry farming towards socio-economic development of rural areas.
The survey was conducted to 50 randomly selected poultry farmers of both Kigembe and Save
sectors, in addition Rwabisemanyi farm was visited as an example of larger farm and different
people engaged in poultry farming were interviewed including extension agents, and broiler
sellers from Gisagara. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS and results presented in table of
frequencies and percentage.
Poultry farming was found to still at its subsistence level of production even though it is
minimally contributing to the well-being of people in rural areas. The profitability of poultry
farming in rural areas was found to be not satisfying because of low level of investment and to
rudimentary farming practices. Constraints that have to be addressed were determined.
As a less investment demanding business, if poultry challenges could be alleviated, this would
inevitably help many people in rural to achieve socio-economic development through food
security and income generation as long as the demand in animal protein is considerably getting
higher nowadays in developing countries.
Key words: Poultry in Rwanda, poultry farming, rural development
Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page iv

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This research would not be well completed without the help of many persons. I will recognize
their valuable guidance, support and knowledgeable suggestions all of my life.
First of all, I would like to sincerely express my deep appreciation to Dr. NGABITSINZE Jean
Chrysostome and Mr. NKURUNZIZA Issa my supervisors, for their willingness to work with
me.
I also thank Mr. Jean Aimé BUCYANA, Mr. BUCYANA Jules César, IKUZE Marie Merci and
UWAMAHORO Jacqueline for their financial assistance during the data collection period. I am
still indebted to all members of Association UBUTWALI COURAGE for the gift that helped me
during the course of my studying period at NUR.
I am also grateful to all staff of Kigembe and Save Sector for their diligence in conducting data
collection, helping and supporting me to carry out this energy and time consuming work. Here I
cannot forget Mr. MUSABYIMANA Gregoire of Rwabisemanyi fish farming station for his
advices and informations provided to me during my research.
I cannot forget to express my deep appreciation to all respondents (People from the case study
i.e. Gisagara District) for their courage in providing for me the needed information when I was
collecting data by means of interview and Questionnaire.
Finally, I would like to give sincere thanks to all Lecturers at NUR, deeply those of Faculty of
Agriculture; my family; my classmates and friends for their sustainable encouragement during
this research.
Thank you all!
Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page v

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
EDPRS : Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy.
EICV : Enquête Intégrale sur les Conditions de Vie des ménages.
FACAGRO : Faculty of Agriculture.

GDP : Gross domestic product.
GNP : Gross National Product.
GOR : Government of Rwanda.
ISAR : Institut des Sciences Agronomiques du Rwanda.
Km2 : Kilometer Square.

MDGs : Millennium Development Goals.
MINAGRI : Ministry of agriculture and animal husbandry.

NAADS : National Agriculture Advisory Services.
NISR : National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda.
NUR : National University of Rwanda.
o
C : Degrees centigrade.
RARDA : Rwandan animal resource development authority.
REMA : Rwanda Environment Management Authority.
ROR : Republic of Rwanda.
SPSS : Software Package for Social Studies.

UNDP : United Nations Development Programme.
UNEP : United Nations Environment Programme.
WFP : World Food Programme.
Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION ....................................................................................................................... ii
DEDICATION .......................................................................................................................... iii
ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................. iv
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...........................................................................................................v
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................. vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS ......................................................................................................... vii
LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................................x
LIST OF APPENDICES ........................................................................................................... xi
LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................. xii
CHAPTER I GENERAL INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................1
I.1 Background to the study.........................................................................................................1
I.2 Statement to the problem........................................................................................................3
I.3 Choice and interest to the study ..............................................................................................4
I.4 Objectives of the study ...........................................................................................................4
I.4.1 General Objective ...............................................................................................................4
I.4.2 Specific objectives ..............................................................................................................4
I.5 Research questions .................................................................................................................5
I.6 Justification of the study ........................................................................................................5
1.7 Organization of the study ......................................................................................................5
CHAPTER II LITERATURE REVIEW ......................................................................................7
II.1 Understanding of key concept ...............................................................................................7
II.2 Rural poverty in Rwanda .................................................................................................... 11
II.3 Rural development in Rwanda ............................................................................................ 14
II.4 Socioeconomic role of livestock production ........................................................................ 14
II.5 Generalities on poultry farming .......................................................................................... 17
II.5.1 Relevance of village poultry ............................................................................................ 18
II.5.2 The socio-economic Importance of Family Poultry .......................................................... 20
II.6 Overview of poultry farming in Rwanda .............................................................................22
Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page vii
II.6.1 Breeds ............................................................................................................................. 22
II.6.2 Structure of poultry sector in Rwanda .............................................................................. 23
II.6.3 Poultry sector outlook for the next five years ................................................................... 29
CHAPTER III MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY ............................................................ 30
3.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 30
3.1. Methods ............................................................................................................................. 30
3.1.1. Description of study area ................................................................................................. 30
3.1.2. Research design ............................................................................................................... 31
3.2 Sampling techniques............................................................................................................31
3.2.1. Stratified sampling .......................................................................................................... 31
3.2.2 Random sampling .............................................................................................................32
3.3 Population and sample size ..................................................................................................32
3.3.1. Determination of sample size ........................................................................................... 32
3.4. Data collection ................................................................................................................... 33
3.4.1. Primary data .................................................................................................................... 33
3.4.2. Secondary data ................................................................................................................ 33
3.4.2.1 Documentation .............................................................................................................. 34
3.5 Data analysis ....................................................................................................................... 34
CHAPTER IV: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ....................................................................... 35
4.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 35
4.1 Social background of respondents ....................................................................................... 35
4.1.1 Age .................................................................................................................................. 35
4.1.2 Gender ............................................................................................................................. 36
4.1.3 Level of education ............................................................................................................37
4.1.4 Marital status .................................................................................................................... 37
4.1.5 Land holding .................................................................................................................... 38
4.1.6 Level of experience of poultry farmers .............................................................................38
4.1.7 Types of livestock ............................................................................................................39
4.1.8 Size of the family .............................................................................................................40
4.2 Findings according to variables ........................................................................................... 40
4.2.1 Situation of poultry farming.............................................................................................. 40
4.2.3 Constraints of poultry farming .......................................................................................... 47
Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page viii
CHAPTER V SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................... 49
5.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 49
5.2 Summary of findings ........................................................................................................... 49
5.3 General conclusion .............................................................................................................. 50
5.4 Recommendations ............................................................................................................... 51
APPENDIX .............................................................................................................................. 60
Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page ix

LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1 Major causes of poverty identified in Rwanda........................................................... 13

Table 2.2 Poverty status by province ......................................................................................... 14
Table 2.3 Livestock production by type in Rwanda ................................................................... 24
Table 2.4 Total Number of poultry by species ........................................................................... 25
Table 4.1 Age of respondents .................................................................................................... 35
Table 4.2 Gender of respondents ............................................................................................... 36
Table 4.3 Education level of respondents .................................................................................. 37
Table 4.4 Marital status of respondents ..................................................................................... 37
Table 4.5 Land holding of respondents ...................................................................................... 38
Table 4.6 Farmer experience in poultry farming ........................................................................ 38
Table 4.7 Types of livestock kept by farmers ............................................................................ 39
Table 4.8 Types of chicken .......................................................................................................40
Table 4.9 Types of breeds preferred by farmers .........................................................................41
Table 4.10 Vaccination in the flock ........................................................................................... 41
Table 4.11 Poultry Farming system ........................................................................................... 42
Table 4.12 Commercial feeds in poultry farming ....................................................................... 44
Table 4.13 Income from poultry ................................................................................................ 45
Table 4.14 Reason for practice poultry farming .........................................................................45
Table 4.15 Achievements from poultry farming ........................................................................ 46
Table 4.16 Kind of Achievements from poultry farming ............................................................ 46
Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page x

LIST OF APPENDICES
Appemdix 1 : Questionnaire ...................................................................................................... 60
Apendix 2 : Administrative map of Gisagara district ................................................................. 67
Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page xi

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2.1 The stages of economic development as modeled by Rostow ......................................9
Figure 3.1 Photo of Rwabisemanyi fish farming station ............................................................. 30
Figure 4.1: Family size .............................................................................................................. 40
Figure 4.2: Systems used by Farmers in Gisagara ...................................................................... 42
Figure 4.3 Egg production .........................................................................................................44
Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page xii
CHAPTER I GENERAL INTRODUCTION
I.1 Background to the study
Rwanda is a small land-locked country with a hilly terrain, land area of 26,338 km2 with 10.7
million of population; and the majority,(87 per cent) live in rural areas (NISR, 2011). The annual
demographic growth rate is 2.8 per cent, and according to the vision 2020 plan, the population is
expected to increase to about 12 million by 2015. Population density is the highest in Africa,
with more than 370 persons/km², and the physiological density (people per area of arable land) is
in excess of 500 people per km2 (UNDP and UNEP, 2006).
The country is predominantly agricultural with few options that would reduce the pressure on
land resources. With Only 52 per cent of the total surface area of the country, representing
approximately 1,385,000 hectares of arable land (ROR, 2004), agriculture contributes 47 per cent
of the GNP and accounts for 71 per cent of the country’s export revenue. The agriculture sector
which currently contributes significantly to national Gross Domestic Product (32.6 per cent) is
envisaged to contribute 33 per cent to GDP by 2020. Agriculture is not only the main source of
income for 87 per cent of the population (MINAGRI, 2006) but also provides employment for
86.3 per cent of the country’s working population (NISR, 2008). Unfortunately, the high
population density in fragile ecosystems exposes the country’s natural resources to degradation
(REMA, 2009).
Livestock production is among major sources of income for the national economy and food
security for resource-poor households, contributing about 8.8 per cent of the national GDP.
Although the livestock sub-sector in Rwanda contributes significantly to the national economy,
however its potential has been limited by several constraints such the use of animals with poor
genetic potential, inadequate feeding, animals’ pests and diseases and poor management,
rangeland reduction and deterioration due to fast growing human population, over-utilization of
land and soil erosion, causing low farm level productivity (ISAR,2011). Even though the
production of livestock products has increased, demand still outstrips supply, especially for milk
and eggs, which contributes to food insecurity (lipid and protein intake), (MINAGRI, 2008;
REMA, 2009).
The Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS) puts the population upper
poverty line at 56.9 per cent and those living in extreme poverty at 36.9 per cent (ROR, 2007).
Rural areas are relatively poorer than urban areas. Poverty in rural areas is 62.5 per cent
compared to 13 per cent for Kigali City and 41.5 per cent for other towns. Extreme poverty in
rural areas is 40.9 per cent of the population (ROR, 2007). Poverty also strikes hard in rural areas
where 45 per cent cannot meet their food needs (ROR, 2006). In terms of inequality, the Gini-
coefficient compared to the situation of 2000 has shown an increase from 0.47 to 0.51. This
indicates that there is still inequity in access to national revenue including access to natural
resources, especially to the land (ROR, 2007).
Rural livelihoods are based on an agricultural production system that is characterized by small
family farms of less than 1 hectare (ha), practicing mixed farming that combines rain-fed grain
crops, traditional livestock-rearing and some vegetable production. Food crops account for 92
per cent of the cultivated area, and two thirds of food crops are earmarked for family
consumption. A small number of farmers grow higher-value cash crops such as coffee and tea,
which occupy 3 per cent and 1 per cent, respectively, of total cultivable land. The most
vulnerable rural people are landless people and small-scale farmers who cultivate less than 0.2
ha.
Rwanda’s current agricultural status and orientation for the future entails primarily, the stepping
up of activities that develop and promote agricultural and livestock production. Rwanda’s goal to
achieve targets set in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Vision 2020 is to enable
Rwandans to emerge from under-development and poverty status by achieving economic growth
objectives in combination with social indicators objectives. The national vision known as vision
2020 (GOR, 2003) and other policies recently developed such as the poverty reduction strategy
are key strategic frameworks that will guide government during this period. One of the key
pillars of vision 2020 is the transformation of Agriculture from subsistence to a productive, high
value, market-oriented agriculture that has an impact on other economic activities (GOR, 2003).
As a matter of facts, it is targeted that by the year 2015, the proportion of people living below the
poverty line shall not exceed 23.8 per cent - a half of the 1990 level. By the same standards, the
proportion of people who suffer from hunger would also have been halved.
Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page 2

The objective of reducing poverty and malnutrition cannot be achieved by one single
intervention and, in isolation: no single activity will have a major impact. However, livestock,
especially poultry species, have shown to provide a practical and effective first step in alleviating
abject rural poverty.
I.2 Statement to the problem
It is generally recognized that poverty is the greatest constraint to global harmony and the well-
being of the peoples of the world. Poverty is a problem of extraordinary proportion, with an
estimated 2.8 billion of the worlds 6 billion people living on less than US$ 2 day-1, and 1.2
billion on less than US$ 1 day-1(World Bank, 2001). But this is not a static situation, and during
the next 25 years, the human population is predicted to grow by a further 2 billion, 97% of which
will be in the countries of the developing world (World Bank, 2001). Governments have agreed
to halve the number of poor and hungry people in the world by 2015 as expressed in the
Millennium Development Goals, and the search in all economic sectors is now on for ideas and
experiences that can be translated into pro-poor strategies and policies (Dolberg, 2003).
Rwanda’s economy depends largely on agriculture but many farmers are still poor because of
low productivity, small land ownership by family, with high population growth rate and use of
traditional farming systems (Jules, 1995; Samvura, 2009).According to the Comprehensive Food
Security and Vulnerability Survey, 52 percent of households are food insecure or vulnerable
(NISR and WFP, 2006). Food insecurity is found all over the country but tends to be
concentrated in Western and Southern provinces of Rwanda.
Poultry farming is the raising of domesticated birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese,
for the purpose of farming meat or eggs for food. Poultry are kept in rural areas for consumption
and marketing1. Keeping poultry makes a substantial contribution to household food security
throughout the developing world. Sonaiya and Swan (2004) found out that Poultry helps
diversify incomes and provides quality food, energy, fertilizer and a renewable asset in over 80
percent of rural households. Small-scale rural producers are however constrained by poor access
to markets, goods and services; they have weak institutions and lack skills, knowledge and
appropriate technologies. The result is that both production and productivity remain well below
1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poultry_farming

potential and losses and wastage can be high. However, adapted breeds, local feed resources and
appropriate vaccines are available, along with proven technologies that can substantially improve
productivity and income generation.
According to FAO (2004), the growth of poultry sector can contribute to enhance nutrition and
reduce poverty in rural Rwanda, because a non negligible number of rural poor are dependent on
poultry for food and income, because of widespread protein-energy and micronutrient
malnutrition, and because the demand for animal source food-including milk, meat and eggs, is
massively increasing. Moreover, considering different advantages that poultry presents, it is a
good way to improve the level of living of people in the rural and hence allow the development
of the rural areas in Rwanda.
It is worthy to note that processes that may lead to escape from the rural poverty require an entry
point. This is where poultry development may prove to be a useful tool, as keeping poultry is an
activity in which many poor in rural are involved.
I.3 Choice and interest to the study
This work has shown how poultry farming contributes in socioeconomic development of
Rwandan rural areas, especially in Gisagara district. It has proven that poultry was still an
untapped opportunity that could bring its important role in poverty alleviation and food security
in Rwandan rural areas. In addition agricultural institutions such as ministry of Agriculture and
animal husbandry, national or international development NGO’s should use the obtained
information in order to bring their valuable contribution to pro-poor development of rural areas.
I.4 Objectives of the study
I.4.1 General Objective
The overall objective of this study was to analyze of the contribution of poultry farming in
socioeconomic development especially in rural areas of Gisagara district, Southern Province.
I.4.2 Specific objectives
 To investigate the present situation of poultry farming in Gisagara district.

 To identify socioeconomic status of poultry farmers in Gisagara district.
 To determine constraints met by poultry farmers in Gisagara district.

 To determine profitability of poultry production and draw recommendations on strategies
that would improve chances of success in poultry farming activities and hence develop
rural areas.
I.5 Research questions
 What is the structure of poultry farming in the rural areas?

 What is the socioeconomic status of poultry farmers?
 What are the constraints experienced by poultry farmers?
 What is the profitability of poultry farming in rural areas?
 What strategies can improve the success of poultry in rural areas?
I.6 Justification of the study
In Gisagara district, many people are engaged in poultry farming especially in chicken
production. This research focus on finding, the socioeconomic status, profitability, constraints
and strategies that can be employed to improve success of poultry farming in rural areas of
Gisagara District, Southern Province.
1.7 Organization of the study

This memoir is organized into five chapters:
(i) General introduction;
Includes background to the study, problem statement, objectives of the study( Main objective
and specific objectives), research questions, justification and organization of the study.
(ii) Literature review;
Include understanding of key concepts (poultry farming, Development, Social development,

Economic development, rural development, and rural area); Rural poverty in Rwanda; Rural
development in Rwanda; Socioeconomic role of livestock production; Generalities on poultry
farming; Overview of poultry farming in Rwanda.
(iii) Materials and methods;

Include materials, methods, Sampling techniques, population and sample size, data collection
methods

(iv) Results and discussion;
Include socio-economic characteristics of sampled households, characterization of poultry

farming techniques, presentation of survey results; and discussions.
(v) Conclusion and recommendation;
Include conclusion of the study, recommendations and suggestions for further research

CHAPTER II LITERATURE REVIEW
II.1 Understanding of key concept
a) Poultry farming
Poultry farming was defined by Wikipedia the free encyclopedia, as the raising of domesticated
birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese, as a subcategory of animal husbandry for the
purpose of farming meat or eggs for food. Chickens raised for eggs are usually called laying hens
whilst chickens raised for meat are often called broilers.
b) Development
Todaro and Smith (2011) define the term Development as the process of improving the quality of
all human lives and capabilities by raising people’s levels of living, self-esteem, and freedom.
Development must, therefore be conceived of as a multidimensional process involving major
changes in social structure, popular attitudes and national institutions as well as the acceleration
of economic growth, the reduction of inequality and the eradication of absolute poverty.
As asserted by Professor Dudley Seers 2 when he posed basic questions about the meaning of
development, through the following questions; what has been happening to poverty? What has
been happening to unemployment? What has been happening to inequality? If all three of these
have become less severe, then beyond doubt this has been a period of development for the
country concerned. If one or two of these central problems have been growing worse, especially
if all three have, it would be strange to call the result ‘development,’ even if per capita income
has doubled.
In other words, as argued by the same author development, in its essence must represent the
entire gamut of change by which an entire social system3, tuned to the diverse basic needs and
desires of individuals and social groups within that system, moves away from a condition of life
widely perceived as ‘unsatisfactory’ and towards a situation or condition of life regarded as
materially and spiritually ‘better’.
2
Dudley Seers, ’The meaning of development,’ Eleventh world conference of the society for international
development, New Delhi (1969), 3.
3
Social system is the organizational and institutional structure of a society, including its values, attitudes,
power structure, and traditions.

c) Social development
Social development can be described as the process of organizing human energies and activities
at higher levels to achieve greater results. It has always involved a tension between two poles of
its existence, collective and individual. The collective strives to ensure its preservation,
perpetuation and development, preparing and compelling its individual members to abide by its
traditions, laws and values, and contribute their energy and effort to defend and support the
community. At the same time, individual members strive to ensure their survival, to preserve
and, whenever possible, to elevate their material and social positions, personal comfort and
enjoyment.
Bilance ( 1997) argues that, Social Development is the promotion of a sustainable society that is
worthy of human dignity by empowering marginalized groups, women and men, to undertake
their own development, to improve their social and economic position and to acquire their
rightful place in society.
d) Economic development
Economic development can be defined as graduation from poverty and vulnerability to well-
being and security. (Bibangambah, 2001).
Development strategies have usually focused on rapid urban industrialization often at the
expense of agriculture and rural development. Therefore, economic development was redefined
in terms of the reduction or elimination of poverty inequality and unemployment within the
context of a growing economy (Todaro and Smith, 2011),
As Sen (1999) put it, “Economic growth cannot be sensibly treated as an end in itself.
Development has to be more concerned with enhancing the lives we lead and the freedoms we
enjoy.”

Figure 2.1 The stages of economic development as modeled by Rostow
Exploitation of comparative
advantages in international trade
HIGH MASS
Transition triggered by external CONSUMP-
influences, interests or markets DRIVE TO TION
MATURITY
TAKE-OFF
PRECONDITIONS Development of
TRADITIONA FOR TAKE -OFF Development of wider industrial
L SOCIETY a manufacturing and commercial
Commercial sector base
exploitation of
Limited agriculture and
technology extractive
, static society industry Investment in manufacturing
exceeds 10% of national income,
development of modern social
Political and economic
institution installation of
physical
Source: Rostow 19604
e) Rural development
World Bank defines rural development as growth strategy for a particular target population—the
rural poor. It involves extending the benefits of development to those whose futures lie in the
pursuit of a livelihood in rural areas.
A reasonable definition of rural development would be: development that benefits rural
populations; where development is understood as the sustained improvement of the population’s
standards of living or welfare. Rural development is therefore not a theory of economic or social
change as such, nor evens an explanation of how spatial pattern of poverty arise. Rather, it is an
acknowledgement that the majority of developing country citizens having incomes below a
4
Compiled from Jennifer A.Elliott,2006,An introduction to sustainable development 3 rd edition

stated poverty line are resident in rural rather than urban areas, and it is also a call to action to
reduce this incidence of poverty. Rural development can therefore be defined as an organizing
principle for anti-poverty policies in rural areas of low income countries.
Moreover, migration to the cities is proceeding at historically unprecedented rates, a large part of
explanations can be found in the economic stagnation of the outlying rural areas.
Hence, if development is to take place and become self-sustaining, it will have to start in the
rural areas in general and the agricultural sector in particular. The core problems of widespread
poverty, growing inequality, rapid population growth and rising unemployment, all find their
origin in the stagnation and often retrogression of economic life in rural areas.
f) Rural area5
Having defined rural development it is essential to define what is rural. Unfortunately there does
not exist a single methodology, much less a single definition of what constitutes rural. The
problem is that patterns of spatial occupation are, inter alia, culturally and historically
determined and vary among regions of the world. A natural definition of rurality is to define it
by exclusion, as that which is not urban, where urban is defined on the basis of population
agglomerations.
In practice there are two main methodologies to define rural. The first methodology is to use a
geopolitical definition. First, urban is defined by law as all of the state, region, and district
capitals (centers), and by exclusion all the rest is defined as rural. Countries like Colombia, El
Salvador, Dominican Republic, and Paraguay follow this methodology. The drawbacks of this
methodology are obvious: populations that live outside the geopolitical limit of a city (specially
in a growing city) are miscounted as rural; while population living in tiny municipalities in
sparsely populated regions is miscounted as urban.
The other popular methodology is to use observed population agglomeration to define urban. In
this case populations that live within an area where contiguous households form populations
larger than, say 2,000 inhabitants are considered urban, while by exclusion the rest is defined as
5
http://www.nal.usda.gov/ric/ricpubs/what_is_rural.shtml

rural. This methodology seems more attractive because it establishes a clear threshold;
unfortunately this threshold varies widely around the world.
Other less popular methodologies consist of counting agglomerations of homes; for example,
100 contiguous dwellings constitute an urban area in Peru. Other countries consider the
availability of services as defining urban. For example in Honduras, an area is urban if, in
addition to having a population of 2,000 inhabitants, it possesses services of water, electricity,
education and health infrastructure. This definition is relevant from a poverty analysis standpoint
because the absence of these services is usually associated with poverty; thus, this particular
definition of rurality provides elements for characterizing poverty. In comparison, rural areas in
developed nations have availability of all of the abovementioned services, spatially more
scattered, but still available.
Furthermore, the fact that the definitions vary so greatly creates a problem for making
meaningful comparisons, when “rural” refers to a variety of different contexts. Also, if “rural”
characterizes a variety of contexts, it is hard to see how one single rural development strategy
even in the same country may be applied.
Finally, the beneficiaries of a successful rural development strategy, the rural populations could
be larger than what official figures indicate.
II.2 Rural poverty in Rwanda
From Bibangambah’s (2001) point of view, poverty in its simplest sense ,means unsatisfied want
(e.g. inadequate income) or deprivation( in term of lacking, or insufficient access to, resources)
or the inability to meet basic needs .In practice poverty may manifest itself in terms of low
income, food shortages, lack of assets, lack of infrastructure, landlessness inadequately (in
quantity and quality).
Sources of rural livelihood:
 Home gardening-the exploitation of small land

 Common property resources-access to fuel, fodders, fauna, medicines, etc.
Through fishing hunting, gathering, grazing and mining
 Processing, hawking vending and marketing

 Share-rearing of livestock-The lending of livestock for herding in exchange for
rights to some products, including offspring
 Transporting goods
 Mutual helps-small loans from saving groups or borrowing from relatives and
neighbors
 Contract outwork
 Casual labour or piece of work
 Specialized occupations such as tailors, blacksmiths, carpenters, sexworkers
 Domestic service
 Child labour-domestic work at home in collecting fuel and fooder, herding, etc.
And working away in factors, shops or other people’s houses
 Craft work-basket making, carving, etc
 Selling assets-labour, children
 Family splitting-putting children out to other families or family members
 Migration for seasonal work
 Remittances from family members employed away
 Food for work and public works relief project
 Begging
 Theft
Source: compiled from Chambers (1997)6
6
Jennifer A.Elliott,2006,An introduction to sustainable development 3rd edition

Table 2.1 Major causes of poverty identified in Rwanda
Share of respondents Percent
Lack of land (Kutagira isambu) 49.5

Poor soils (Ubutaka butera) 10.9
Drought/weather (Izuba ryinshi) 8.7
Lack of livestock (Kutagira itungo) 6.5
Ignorance (Ubujiji) 4.3
Inadequate infrastructure (Ibikorwa remezo 3.0
bidahagije)
Inadequate technology (Ikoranabuhanga 1.7
ridahagije)
Sickness (Uburwayi) 1.7
Polygamy (Ubuharike) 1.2
Lack of access to water (Kubura amazi) 1.1
Population pressure (Ubwiyongere 0.7
bw'abaturage)
Others (Izindi) 10.6
Total 100.0
Source: Ubudehe Survey, 2006
In 2006, 56.9 per cent of the total of Rwandan population was living below the poverty line and
37.9 per cent were extremely poor. In rural areas about 64.7 per cent of the populations were
living in poverty.

Table 2.2 Poverty status by province
2000/01 2005/06 2010/11 % reduction

Rwanda 58.9% 56.7% 44.9% 11.8%
Kigali city 22.7% 20.8% 16.8% 4.0%
Eastern province 59.3% 52.1% 42.6% 9.5%
Northern province 64.2% 60.5% 42.8% 17.7%
Western province 62.3% 60.4% 48.4% 12.0%
Southern province 65.5% 66.7% 56.5% 10.2%
Source: NISR, 2011
II.3 Rural development in Rwanda
Rural development refers to the actions and initiatives taken to improve the standards of living in
non urban neighborhoods, countryside, and remote villages (Habyarimana, 2010).In 2008, 79.8
per cent of Rwandans lived in rural areas, with an average growth rate of 0.6 per cent on the land
area of 24.7 thousand km2 (in 2007), with a permanent cropland of 11.1 per cent of land area in
2005, arable land 48.6 per cent in 2005 (World Development Indicators, 2008).
As high poverty rates are found in certain regions and social groups, targeting anti-poverty
measures to such areas and groups may be a cost-effective way of reducing and alleviating
poverty in those areas. Policies and strategies that would increase consumption of the poor in
general are key components of a pro-poor development programme (Maina, 2001).
To step up the rural development, Vision 2020 Umurenge (VUP), an EDPRS 2008 – 2012 highly
decentralized integrated rural development programme designed to accelerate extreme poverty
reduction in Rwanda, is currently being piloted in thirty of the poorest sectors (imirenge) of the
country, however it needs to be a bit strategic, for it to bring about sustainable pro-poor rural
development.
II.4 Socioeconomic role of livestock production
Globally, agriculture provides a livelihood for more than any other industry. Growth in
agricultural production and productivity is needed to raise rural incomes, to support increasing

members dependent on the industry and to meet the food and raw material needs of the faster
growing urban populations.
Livestock is vital to the economies of many developing countries. Animals are a source of food,
more specifically protein for human diets, Income, employment and possibly foreign exchange.
For low income producers, livestock can serve as a store of wealth; provide draught power and
organic fertilizer for crop production and a means of transport. Consumption of livestock
products in developing countries, though starting from a low base, is growing rapidly. Livestock
provide over half of the value of global agricultural output and one third in developing countries.
Rapid growth output in demand for livestock products (LPs), in the developing countries, is
viewed as food revolution. LPs are costly in relation to staple foods, so developing country
consumption levels are still low, but increase with rising incomes. Increased production and
higher self-sufficiency would save foreign exchange. Because growth in consumption is at the
expense of increasing net imports of all LPs.
Livestock production, system is broadly categorized into:
i) grassland-based pastolalism and ranching,

ii) mixed-farming, either rain fed or irrigated and
iii) Landless, mainly pig and poultry production systems these are listed in order of
increasing intensity.
The landless production systems are largely responsible for the rapid growth in average meat
supply per person in the developing countries, poultry production having doubled over the last
10 years. Reproduction and growth rates are faster in pigs and poultry than in the ruminant
species of livestock. Increases depend upon improvement in animal health, nutrition, breeding
and management.
The landless livestock production systems represent labour using technology in that labour
requirements per hectare (devoted to feed production) are higher than for other systems.
Conversely, the use of animal drought power is labour saving, in reducing hand-labor
requirements particularly at peak work periods. Use of the farmed area to be cultivated may

allow a large proportion of the farmed area to be cultivated each year to increasing cropping
intensity.
Mixed crop-livestock production systems are important as the source of the bulk of ruminant
livestock production and the home of the majority of the world’s poor. Complementary
relationships exist with livestock, fed on crop by production and other plant material,
contributing draught power manure and additional source of food and income, savings and buffer
against risk. As intensity and livestock numbers rise, crop-livestock interactions become
increasingly competitive for the use of land and other resource. There is little or no interaction
between crops and supplementary, landless livestock systems.
The global importance of livestock and their products is increasing as consumers demand in the
developing countries expands with population growth and raising income. This growth in
consumption is reflected in improvements in the average human nutritional status due to the
intake of animal protein. The resultant changes have been dubbed” the next food revolution” and
the growth in developing country consumption of animal products is predicted to continue at
least until 2020 (Delgado et al. 1999,and 2001).
Livestock products such as meat, milk and eggs are more costly, per tone and per unit of food
energy than staple crop products, so diets in most developing countries generally include lower
levels of intake of animal products than those in the developed or industrialized countries. To
some extent, the lower levels of meat, egg and milk use are compensated for by higher levels of
cereals supply and consumption per person. However, as incomes rise, in the developing
countries consumers seek more variety and better quality foods in their diets. Hence demand for
livestock products rises rapidly, an effect which is also driven by quite rapid growth in the
number of consumers .However, in many of these countries, domestic production has failed to
keep pace with the growing demand so imports of livestock products have increased.
Experience in several countries points to a number of reasons why poultry can be used in a way
that makes it an excellent tool for poverty alleviation (Todd, 1998).
Some of these reasons are:
 Nearly all households (poor and landless) own poultry;

 Poultry is mainly owned and managed by women and children;
 There are few religious taboos related to poultry;
 Poultry is socio-culturally important;
 Low cost technology is available;
 Low investment is needed;
 Land is not needed; village poultry production is relatively environmentally friendly;
 10 chickens under improved conditions are enough to make a difference for one
household;
 Poultry production can be a self-sustaining and income-generating system; and
 Poultry production can serve to build up an entitlement base for poor women.
In spite of the importance and the potential of backyard poultry, few activities have successfully
improved the output. Development projects have traditionally focused on vaccine production and
vaccination campaigns, cockerel exchange programs, and institution building. ‘Imitations’ of
intensive commercial systems have, in some cases, been successful from an economic point of
view, but have not necessarily alleviated poverty. The effects of previous projects have been
small because these projects have not focused on a coherent production and management system
for rural poultry production. It is unlikely that an isolated technical intervention aimed at any one
constraint could in itself make a significant difference at production level. Instead, a
multidisciplinary approach is required to improve the productivity and health of poultry under
village conditions.
II.5 Generalities on poultry farming
All species of poultry are used by rural smallholders throughout the world. The most important
species in the tropics are: chickens, guinea fowl, ducks (including Muscovy ducks), pigeons,
turkeys and geese. Local strains are used, but most species are not indigenous. The guinea fowl
(Numididae) originated in West Africa; the Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) in South America;
pigeons (Columba livea) in Europe; turkeys (Meleagrididae) in Latin America; pheasants
(Phasianidae) in Asia; the common duck (Anas) in Europe; and geese (Anser) in Asia.
Flock composition is determined by the objectives of the poultry enterprise. Foundation stock is
usually obtained from the market as grower pullets and young cockerels. A hen to cock ratio of

about 5:1 is common. Both sexes are retained for 150 to 300 days, for the purposes of culling,
selling, home consumption and gifts, most of which require adult birds.
In the last 50 years, there has been a great advance in the development of hybrid breeds for
intensive commercial poultry production. This trend is most noticeable in chickens, turkeys and
ducks. The new hybrids (those of chickens in particular) are widely distributed and are present in
every country in the tropics, even in the most remote villages. The hybrids have been carefully
selected and specialized solely for the production of either meat or eggs. These end product
specialized hybrid strains are unsuitable for breeding purposes, especially for mixing with local
village scavenger stock, as they have very low mothering ability and broodiness.
For the smallholder, keeping hybrids means considerable changes are required in management.
These changes are expensive for the following reasons:
 All replacement day-old chicks must be purchased.

 Hatchery chicks require artificial brooding and special starting feed.
 Hybrids require higher quality balanced feed for optimum meat and egg production.
 Hybrids require more careful veterinary hygiene and disease management.
 Egg-laying hybrid hens require supplementary artificial light (a steadily increasing day
length up to 17 hours of total light per day) for optimum (profitable) egg production.
The meat and eggs from intensively raised hybrid stock are considered by many traditional
consumers to have less flavour, and the meat to have too soft a texture. Consumers will thus
often pay a higher price for village-produced poultry meat and eggs. Thus for rural family
poultry keepers, it is more appropriate to maintain and improve local birds to meet this demand.
II.5.1 Relevance of village poultry
In developing countries, many rural households keep poultry in their farmyard. Poultry keeping
practiced by rural households using family labour is referred to as village poultry keeping. This
practice is also called rural poultry or rural family poultry. In most developing countries, village
poultry makes up the largest proportion of the national poultry population (Guèye, 2000; Sonaiya
et al., 1999). Poultry provide food and cash income (Sonaiya, 1990; Gunaratne et al., 1993).
Approximately 20 per cent of protein consumed in developing countries originates from poultry

(Askov and Dolberg, 2002). In Africa, over 70 per cent of poultry products come from village
poultry (Kitalyi, 1998: Sonaiya, 2000). If village poultry are significant for their nutritional or
economic value, they also play a significant role in human society through their contribution to
the cultural and social life of rural people. The gift of a chicken is often – in many parts of
Africa – a way of welcoming high status visitors or honouring affines and kin. Birds are also
frequently sacrificed, and in some cultures the entrails of dead birds are consulted as oracles. For
this reason the anthropologist Michael Whyte notes "poultry are not simply birds, they are a
human creation, a social and cultural practice" (Whyte, 2002).
Rising incomes and urbanization in many parts of the developing world are responsible for a
growing demand for animal products. Worldwide, the rate of growth in the production of poultry
is the highest, when compared with ruminants and pigs (Brankaert et al., 2000). Poultry meat and
egg production accounted for more than 28 per cent of the total animal protein produced
worldwide in 1997. This proportional contribution of poultry is estimated to reach 40 per cent by
the year 2020; the major increase will be in the developing world (Delgado et al., 1999). The per
capita consumption of meat more than doubled in the developing world in the last two decades
of the 20th century - specifically from14 kg in 1980 to 29 kg in 2002 (Steinfeld et al., 2006),
with an even more spectacular increase in the consumption of poultry.
Assuming that a typical average slaughter weight of a chicken for the market is about 1.2 kg (200
days old) and 2.2 kg (40 days old) in the developing and developed world, respectively, then the
quantity of poultry meat per person is about 2 kg and 8 kg per year, respectively (Owen et al.,
2005). The large discrepancy between these ratios, and especially between the mass of poultry
meat per head of population, demonstrates the vast gap in availability of protein from poultry for
consumers in North (developed countries) and South (developing countries). It is thought that
this difference between consumption of poultry products in the developing and the developed
world’s will have increased further by 2020 (Kristensen et al., 1999). These estimates and
predictions serve to indicate great scope for increased production and consumption of poultry
products in the global South (Brankaert et al., 2000). It is sometimes stated that if the suppliers
of poultry are smallholder farmers instead of large-scale commercial companies, poultry would
contribute to poverty reduction under conditions of expanding demand (Dolberg, 2001; Garces,
2002).

There is wide agreement that the greater part of extreme poverty in the global South is a rural
phenomenon. The role of poultry as a potential tool to escape extreme poverty has frequently
been claimed (Dolberg, 2001; Kristjanson et al., 2004; Peacock, 2005; Holman et al., 2005;
Dossart et al., 2003). Impact on poverty is likely to be achieved through approaches that directly
focus on the poorest groups of livestock keepers (Ashley et al., 1999). Poultry have been seen as
particularly significant for women’s self-reliance (Devendra and Chantalakhana, 2002; Bravo-
Baumann, 2000).Village poultry keeping has attracted attention as a vehicle for rural
development. For many decades development agencies, international agencies, governments and
non-government organizations have been interested in helping to develop village poultry
production. The pace and scope of such support have expanded over the last 20 years and some
major initiatives have been undertaken (Mack et al., 2005). These development-oriented
interventions range from attempts to replicate commercial poultry innovations at a small-scale
household level through to development of innovation and support networks at international
level.
II.5.2 The socio-economic Importance of Family Poultry
Family poultry is defined as small-scale poultry keeping by households using family labour and
wherever possible, locally available feed resources. The poultry may range freely in the
household compound and find much of their own food, getting supplementary amounts from the
householder. Participants at a 1989 workshop in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, defined rural poultry as a flock
of less than 100 birds, of unimproved or improved breed, raised in either extensive or intensive
farming systems. Labour is not salaried, but drawn from the family household (Sonaiya 1990b).
Family poultry was additionally clarified as “small flocks managed by individual farm family in
order to obtain food security, income and gainful employment for women and children
(Branckaert, as cited in Sonaiya, 1990c). Family poultry is quite distinct from medium to large
scale commercial poultry farming. Family poultry is rarely the sole means of livelihood for the
family but is one of a number of integrated and complementary farming activities contributing to
the overall well-being of the household. Poultry provide a major income-generating activity from
the sale of birds and eggs occasional consumption provides a valuable source of protein in the
diet. Poultry also play an important socio-cultural role in many societies. Poultry keeping uses
family labour, and women (who often own as well as look after the family flock) are major

beneficiaries. Women often have an important role in the development of family poultry
production as extension workers and in vaccination programmes.
For smallholder farmers in developing countries (especially in low income, food-deficient

countries (LIFDC), family poultry represents one of the few opportunities for saving, investment
and security against risk. In some of these countries, family poultry accounts for approximately
90 percent of the total poultry production (Branckaert, 1999). In Bangladesh for example, family
poultry represents more than 80 percent of the total poultry production, and 90 percent of the 18
million rural households keep poultry. Landless families in Bangladesh form 20 percent of the
population (Fattah, 1999, citing the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, 1998) and they keep
between five and seven chickens per household. In LIFDC countries, family poultry-produced
meat and eggs are estimated to contribute 20 to 30 percent of the total animal protein supply
(Branckaert, 1999), taking second place to milk products (38 percent), which are mostly
imported. Similarly, in Nigeria, family poultry represents approximately 94 percent of total
poultry keeping, and accounts for nearly four percent of the total estimated value of the livestock
resources in the country. Family poultry represents 83 percent of the estimated 82 million adult
chickens in Nigeria.
Poultry are the smallest livestock investment a village household can make. Yet the poverty-
stricken farmer needs credit assistance even to manage this first investment step on the ladder out
of poverty. Poultry keeping is traditionally the role of women in many developing countries.
Female-headed households represent 20 to 30 percent of all rural households in Bangladesh
(Saleque, 1999), and women are more disadvantaged in terms of options for income generation.
In sub-Saharan Africa, 85 percent of all households keep poultry, with women owning 70
percent of the poultry. (Guéye, 1998 and Branckaert,1999, citing World Poultry 14). Income
generation is the primary goal of family poultry keeping. Eggs can provide a regular, albeit
small, income while the sale of live birds provides a more flexible source of cash as required.

II.6 Overview of poultry farming in Rwanda
II.6.1 Breeds
II.6.1.1 Exotic breeds
The introduced breeds were essentially the Rhode Red Island and the hybrid (double
objectives; Derco (egg) and Hubbard (meat). While the first is a hardy breed and aimed primarily
at improving the productivity of the local breed by crossing the latter were imported especially
for intensive or semi intensive farming system. Also, pure breeds have been introduced over the
years 1970 and 80 by agricultural development projects and research institutions. This was the
Leghorn, the Sussex and Rhode Island Red. Ranchers who operate imported chickens are pleased
with the results in their farms. However, by comparing the origin of the animals, the
best performances were recorded with the animals from Europe (France and Belgium) compared
to animals from Uganda or Kenya. Thus farmers prefer to import chicks of Europe although they
are more expensive than chicks from Uganda or Kenya.
II.6.1.2 Local breeds
The most part of the national poultry is mostly constituted by local breed animals, whether for
chickens, ducks or guinea fowl. However, for chickens, though they are of local breed, they are
far from being homogeneous. They present a high variability from one farm to another and
phenotypic differences may even be observed within the same farm.
The Rwandan hen is small, rustic, with changing color and variable size; its egg production does
not exceed fifty per year with a hatching rate of below 60 per cent, it has a slow growth and high
mortality of chicks (40 per cent).
Zoo technical characteristics are:
 Adult weight: 1.2 to 1.8 kg;

 laying capacity: 30 to 100 eggs per year;
 Egg weight: 30-50g;
 Laying Rhythm: 2 to 3 cycles of 30 days per year.

Broody, she was repeatedly and erratically, withcross European breeds and some specimens
indicating a probable passage of Plymouth Rock breeds are found, Blue Holland, Rhode Island
Red and Sussex herminée.
The variability of these breeds is due to the fact that they have until now undergone little or
virtually no human handling for gene improvement to obtain a homogeneous race first, and
a random breeding between different types of chickens from local communities coming from
some distance. Some breeders are looking for naked neck chickens whose meat is claimed to be
of higher quality than other types of chickens.
Since it is difficult to find in traditional hatcheries pure breeds that could improve the local
breed, the improvement of local chicken is only possible in the specialized hatcheries to obtain
pure breed poultry that can be used in crossing with the local chicken. Deemed rustic, local
chickens, however, are as well receptive as the exotic breeds to major poultry diseases such as
Newcastle, Gumboro and fowl pox.
II.6.2 Structure of poultry sector in Rwanda
Livestock production is mainly constituted of cattle and small ruminants. The country produces
more than 85 per cent of the consumed meat. Poultry production is mainly carried out by the
rural families who keep on small scale local breeds of poultry and sometimes
crossbred. However, there is commercial and modern poultry farming, especially in the outskirts
of large cities and large towns. This has been restarted after the removal of the ban on imports of
poultry products from the risks of introduction of AI (Avian influenza) in 2006.
It should also recognize that even if Rwanda has less than 3 million of chickens and domestic
poultry (RARDA, 2008); these types of livestock are essentially found among small farmers and
are economically valuable. There is a high seasonal mortality in rural flocks that is severely
limiting the income of farmers and making them more vulnerable. The hen is also involved in the
management of critical issues faced daily with level of some families especially poor - where it is
often the sole source of money easily mobilized. In terms of the relative importance of products
and services from the hen, two observations are worth noting:

 In progressive farms, chickens are raised for egg production about 50 per cent, meat
production for 40 per cent, and production of manure 10 per cent
 In family farms, there are other concerns. Management risk occupies about 60 per cent
(sale); egg production 30 per cent, meat production amounts to 10 per cent.
Table 2.3 Livestock production by type in Rwanda
Category 2005 2006 2007 2008

Cattle 1,077,000 1,122,000 1,147,000 1,584,000
Sheep 690,000 695,000 704,000 323,000
Goats 1,332,000 1,344,000 1,369,000 1,736,000
Pigs 456,000 528,000 571,000 3,109,000
Rabbits 427,000 418,000 423,000 4,745,000
Poultry 2,109,000 1,776,000 1,868,000 1,026,000
Source: RARDA, 2009
II.6.2.1 National poultry flock
The local poultry genetic resources are mainly represented by the chicken (Gallus gallus), duck
(Cairina moschata), Pigeons and turkeys (Meleagris gallopovo).The zoo technical parameters of
the local chicken indicate that it may have 4 broods / hen / year with an average of 10-12 eggs
per clutch. The hens are derived from uncontrolled crosses between local breeds. However, there
are some found genes “cock breeders” initiatives through projects or poultry farmers
themselves. It is very difficult to accurately describe the local breeds. We may nevertheless note
the existence of specific breeds such as the chicken and the bare neck or the chicken curled
feathers. However, there are a few duck farms of barbarism (Cairina moschata).
Finally, species of turkey (Meleagris gallopovo), pigeon (multiple races) with white plumage
pigeon is also present in Rwanda. There are many species of birds imported for commercial
poultry farming. Chickens: Isabrown, Lohman, Derko, Leghorn breeds for egg production and
Hubbard, Lohman, Starbro, Redbro, entry for meat production.

Table 2.4 Total Number of poultry by species
Categories Number
Chicken 2,894,972
Turkeys 317
Ducks 6729
Pigeon 4962
Source: RARDA, 2008.
II.6.2.3 Current policies, legal framework
The National Agricultural Strategy 2005-2012 contained in the EDPRS, the only reference in
the selection and implementation of programs and projects for sustainable development in the
agricultural sector in the livestock sub-sector, selected as main axis, recovery and intensification
of animal production, in general, through the following interventions :
 Consolidation of the restocking program initiated in 1998,

 Rehabilitation of veterinary infrastructure, facilities and circuits input supply and
veterinary products,
 Improved animal health,
 Diversification and modernization of livestock (small animals)
 Support to households in acquiring the means of production, capacity and skills,
 Provision of breeding animals and livestock with high potential genetic
 Generalization of artificial insemination,
 Provision and diversification of forage seed,
 Provision and diversification of non-food inputs or pastoral fodder,
 Research the technical and economic optimization of rations and regimes food,
 Promotion of animal health.
II.6.2.4 Health
In terms of animal health, the Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation "SPAT"
and Recovery plan and sustainable development of agriculture (2006-2012) "EDPRS" agriculture
sector, advocates in the field of animal health to ensure and facilitate access to care and
veterinary inputs, a diagnosis of the animal health situation to prepare national plans for

emergency response against major animal diseases and diseases of economic importance,
continue the rehabilitation and strengthening veterinary diagnostic laboratories. The law of the
law on animal health and measures application passed by Parliament in July 2009 also show a
real orientation towards privatization of medicine and pharmacy and veterinary
strengthening of disease control measures by the veterinary services.
II.6.2.5 Institutional framework
As part of the coordination of activities of veterinary services, the breakdown of chain of

command between central and field observed at the beginning of 2007 has to be corrected with
the provision of veterinary technicians in the districts and are supported on the operating
budget. This has improved the communication between districts and RARDA. With the threat of
HPAI, and enhancing structure of veterinary services at the base (level administrative area), the
problem improving communication with the support of decentralized from the central level down
to ground and allows the control and reporting of diseases including avian influenza. But it is to
strengthen training and equipment. This collaboration has extended to health services and
Rwanda is to improve and strengthen it.
II.6.2.6 Analysis
 Current strengths and weaknesses of the poultry sector
The birds are almost exclusively represented by chickens as well as a relatively small number of
ducks. In rural areas, raising chickens does not relieve the local low-income, due to sanitation
(Newcastle disease), unsuitable housing and feeding lead to very low animal performance, which
are characterized by slow growth and high mortality of chicks (40 per cent). Small poultry farms
grew around towns of provinces since 1995, based on imported chicks. They suffered, however,
of lack of supply of inputs (vaccines, food, chicks ...) and stop the import of chicks due to the
pandemic of avian influenza. Some industrial units of poultry (eggs and meat) persist around
Kigali city and other surrounding towns and it is there that most efficient systems are found.
 The advantages
Apart from the lack of food resources which is the major constraint for promotion of poultry
farming in Rwanda, it is clear that it is possible and appropriate to identify strengths in relation to

the increase of feed resources. Indeed, the available assets like huge water spread over the
entire territory, abundant labor, laborious and young, a wide variety of soils, microclimates of
crops and are not valued enough to diversify and intensify the production agriculture, forestry
and animal husbandry. So there is no consistency between growth of population and of
agricultural production. If this potential were properly exploited, as studies on the sources of
growth came to confirm, they offer the possibility of recovery and modernization of the sector.
The most important advantages are:
o The existence of microclimates, of a multitude of landscapes and soil types can practice a
range of crops that produce a variety of food resources sufficient for human consumption
as well as poultry.
o The agricultural workers and farmers who are willing to adapt and apply the modern
production technologies. So there is potential to transform traditional family farming in
an intensive livestock by the use of selected poultry for commercial production.
o The existence of a farm labor abundant, essential for intensification of production-based
work. Over 90 per cent of the population live from agriculture and 60 per cent are
agricultural workers;
o An abundant rainfall (6 to 9 months of rainfall over the year) that allows two growing
seasons each year with opportunities to produce throughout the year if the water control
is assured and that permits the conduct of crops with high demand water like a palm tree.
o An extensive network of rivers consists of a total of 26 inland lakes, Lake Kivu in the
west and the tributaries and rivers Nyabarongo, which give with Akanyaru rise to the
Akagera river which crosses Lake Victoria and River Nile gave birth to From Jinja in
Uganda, a remarkable potential for irrigation and crop intensification. It is also an asset
for the promotion of fisheries and fish farming and irrigated seed centers; Land with good
fertility where one can easily intensify agricultural production especially in areas of
natural Imbo, the Mayaga, Bumbogo, Buberuka and the plain and basin Nyabarongo and
Akagera.
o An area of undeveloped wetlands where there are soils with high yield potential and
allow a third growing season, but require a concerted and sustainable development,

o The huge deposits of limestone, dolomite and phosphate in Buberuka, Kibuye and around
Lake Kivu that can operate and improve the fertility of acid soils of the peak Congo Nile
(Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru), if efforts are made as in the mass production of farmyard
manure and composted organic matter through the program one cow for every poor
family;
 The constraints
The constraints of the poultry sector are sanitary, food and institutional.
Health constraints: Bird flu, is a major threat to poultry farming. It is important to remain
vigilant and ensure that measures to prevent the introduction of the disease are met. Strict
control of breeding bird species that may be carriers of the disease must always be
established and followed. Also, inadequate laboratories and lack of trained human
resources for disease surveillance and quality control of food resources is a constraint. To
this must be added the lack of veterinary products for poultry in the domestic market, the
veterinary pharmacies are owned mostly by traders with no veterinary training. Lack of
policy for the prevention of Newcastle disease remains a major obstacle to the development
of family poultry. Each year outbreaks of Newcastle decimate local farms, the disease
endemic to the continent could be partially controlled as was the case in many countries in
West Africa.
Constraints in food resources: Cereals production, animal and fish always show a
downward trend and no longer able to meet the nutritional needs of a population and is
constantly growing. From 1982 to 2007, the gross annual production of food per capita has
decreased by 26 per cent while over the same period the population increased by 45 per
cent. Poultry, being in direct competition with humans especially in cereals, the diet
remains the greatest constraint to the development of poultry farming as the country and
the region in a deficit in cereal production. In addition, the lack of manufacturing of
complete feeds that meet the needs of each category of poultry is a major obstacle to
poultry production.
Institutional constraints: They can be summed up in three points:
 The low efficiency of support services to production (research,
extension, production and distribution of agricultural inputs, post harvest

processing and preservation...) due to lack of material, financial and human
resources appropriate;
 Low private sector involvement in financing activities and production agriculture
and livestock. Managers and technicians trained in agricultural sciences and
Veterinarians are also little or no organized by private associations of
production as a model;
 Poor coordination and lack of harmonization of approaches to interventions the
agricultural sector.
In addition to these direct constraints, it could be added challenges related to socio-

economic development such as:
 Lack of off-farm income-generating activities

 The low purchasing power and poor training of rural families to access
credit agricultural performance and the factors of production;
 Lack of sustainable financing mechanisms for development of the rural sector;
 The isolation of the country and many rural areas of production led to
the soaring production costs and poor sales of agricultural products;
 Lack of policy measures and macroeconomic investor-friendly private,
domestic or foreign in the agricultural sector (tax measures, system credit,
security of persons and property, monetary, etc.).
II.6.3 Poultry sector outlook for the next five years
Poultry products are popular animal products to Rwandans. They are not very abundant in the
markets. The vendors are mostly rural farmers, the large production units in the cities of Kigali
and other cities are selling their production in urban centers. Unfortunately, there is currently
no specific projects for the development of poultry farming or stock or have studied for the near
future. However, current initiatives show, though timidly, Peri-stimulus poultry by private
contractors. The government in breeding just bought a batch of 1500 cockerels it intends to rise
at the hatchery, which will eventually be distributed to village farmers in urban districts.
An analysis of the conduct of traditional family farms indicates that improvements can be
achieved through improved sanitation and food.

CHAPTER III MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
This chapter includes materials and methods that have been used in this study; the methods
include description of study area, sampling techniques used during the survey and data analysis
methods.
3.1. Methods
3.1.1. Description of study area
The study was conducted in Gisagara district, one of the 8 districts that constitute the Southern
province. Gisagara district is composed of 13 sectors and 54 cells and has an area totaling 816.4
km2, occupied by a population of 325,415. The district’s economy relies on agriculture where
animal husbandry is practiced with traditional methods, and the production remains poor so that
the population fails to be self-sufficient and to produce a surplus for the market. The district is
generally characterized by a hilly relief with few lowlands in the south. It has got two agro-
climatic regions: central plateau and southern plateau. The annual average rainfall range from
1200 mm to 1325 mm at the altitude ranging between 1400 m and 1700 m and the average
temperature is estimated to be 19.5 oC. The types of soil range from loamy to clay soils.
3.1.1.1 Administrative map of Gisagara District (Appendix 2)
3.1.1.2 Description of Rwabisemanyi fish farming station
Figure 3.1 Photo of Rwabisemanyi fish farming station
Source: Picture by the Author, taken on 3rd April 2012

Rwabisemanyi is a place of Kigembe sector in Gisagara district, where fish ponds have been
created during the period of 1952-1958.It is a place where sun is shining at an average flow and
wind blows continuously due to the presence of surrounding agro-forestry. Actually it is a station
of fish farming and it is counting many fishlets that have not yet attained maturity and chicken
that has not yet reached the production stage. It is to be acknowledged that these chickens are
used in integration system with fishes to fertilize fish ponds and hence increase fish production.
3.1.2. Research design
The survey was conducted in two sectors of Gisagara District, namely Kigembe sector and Save
sector, which were selected because of the following reasons:
o Time constrains: As the time for the research was limited, then the research coul not be
extended to a larger area of Gisagara district.
o Limited resources: Expenses involved in the research are always high, and this research
was not sponsored.
o Representativity :Kigembe was chosen because it disposes both small scale poultry
farmers and a relatively large scale poultry farm (Rwabisemanyi Fish farming station
which uses poultry in integrated fish farming).So as to make our study more
representatives we also have chosen Save sector to be part of the survey.
3.2 Sampling techniques
Sampling is the process involving the selection of a finite number of elements from a given
population of interest. The total number of element is known as a sample and is a subset of the
total number of elements in the population (Justus and Bute, 2001). According to the study
objectives, the following sampling techniques have been used:
3.2.1. Stratified sampling
A stratified sampling method has been used, where poultry farmers were selected randomly from
the rest of the population. According to the formula that was used to calculate the sample size, 60
farmers were taken as sample size, however only 50 farmers have been interviewed since the
time and financial means were limiting factors.

3.2.2 Random sampling
All poultry farmers had the equal chance to be sampled, so to acquire distinct information some
farmers were randomly selected and interviewed.
3.3 Population and sample size
Saunder et al., (2003) explain that sampling techniques provide a range of methods that help to
reduce the amount of data to be collected by considering only data from subgroup rather than all
possible case of elements.
Our study was conducted in both Kigembe and Save sectors, where randomly selected
households that are engaged in poultry farming were surveyed using questionnaires and in
addition Rwabisemanyi fish farming project as an example of large scale poultry farm was
surveyed to investigate not only the current situation of large scale poultry farming but also its
contribution towards socioeconomic rural development especially in area where it is located.
3.3.1. Determination of sample size
The sample size is obtained using the formula of William. G Cochran, 1977)
z2 * ( p ) * (1  p )
ss 
c2
1.96 2 * 0.0416 * (1  0.0416)

ss   61.265
0.052
Where:
ss: Sample size
Pop=3200 poultry farmers
Z= z value (1.96 for 95% confidence interval)
P =percentage picking a choice 4.16%
C = confidence interval 5%
Correction for finite population

NewSS 
ss  1
Ss
= 60.13≈ 60 poultry farmers.
1
pop
3.4. Data collection
During this study two types of data were used: Primary and Secondary data.
3.4.1. Primary data
According to Preston (1970), the primary data of the study are pieces of information that are
generated specifically to meet the requirements of a particular research. Primary data for this
study were gotten from the poultry farmers of Kigembe and Save sectors and Rwabisemanyi
farm.
3.4.1.1 Interviews and field observations
A part from survey, extension agents have been interviewed to specify the government
intervention in poultry farming promotion in Rwanda. Also field observations were helpful in
order to investigate on prevailing situation of farming practices especially in Gisagara districts
and in Rwanda in general.
3.4.1.2 Questionnaire
According to Grinnel and Williams (1990) a questionnaire consists of a set of systematically

arranged questions which can either be self administered or group administered.
During this study a self administered questionnaire has been used to obtain desired information,
where a total of 50 poultry farmers including Rwabisemanyi farm were interviewed using pre-
tested structured questionnaire.
3.4.2. Secondary data
Data were collected by reviewing published reports as well as reviews from different case on
contribution of poultry farming in socioeconomic development, and on rural development that
were consulted. So, text books, journals, reports, memoirs and internet sources that appeared to
be of relevance were used during the course of the study.

3.4.2.1 Documentation
The reason for this method of data collection was to provide an insight on poultry farming and
on its contribution towards socioeconomic development of rural areas. Documentation enabled to
the researcher to find out what had been done in this area; hence allowed planning the research in
a way that contributes to the present state of knowledge. The information will be got from books,
newspaper, reports, agricultural journals, websites and memoirs.
3.5 Data analysis
The process consisted of editing, coding, tabulation and analyzing the data statistically to enable
to draw conclusions in relation to the hypothesis and research questions.
This was performed in order to deal with the manipulation of the gathered information. Variables
were analyzed using SPSS and Ms Excel, and results are presented in tables. The contents of
these tables are in percentage and frequencies.

CHAPTER IV: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.0 Introduction
This chapter deals with the presentation of the results from the data collected from various
categories of respondents in relation to the objectives and hypothesis of the present research. The
data to be analyzed are primary and secondary data collected using questionnaire and interview.
Analyzed data were collected from poultry farmers of both Kigembe and Save sectors and it also
included other people that are related to poultry. This chapter covers not only the presentation,
and interpretation but also the discussion of the presented research results.
4.1 Social background of respondents
The distribution of respondents according to social background was first attempted with their
age.
4.1.1 Age
Table 4.1 Age of respondents
Age Bracket Frequency Percent

18-30 16 32,0
31-50 27 54,0
50-65 6 12,0
>65 1 2,0
Total 50 100,0
Source: Primary data
The findings (in Table 4.1),showed that 32 percent of respondents were in age between 18 and
30 and 54 percent in the age of 31-50.In addition,12 percent, were people of age standing in the
interval of 50 to 65 of age. And 2 percent was an old people of more than 65 of age.
The results revealed that majority were within age range 31 to 50 years,54 percent, and this could
be explain by the fact that many people who are in this age group have many things to take care
of like paying school fees for their children, getting them food, and clothing and require them to
have reasonable income. Also people of age between 31-50 years are development oriented and
they have to prepare for the future when they will not be able to work. People of this age have

enough force to work. The range of above 50 years are few probably because they no longer
have energy to engage in such activity and are depending on past savings or have resilience from
their daughters and sons.
4.1.2 Gender
Table 4.2 Gender of respondents
Sex Frequency Percent

Male 29 58,0
Female 21 42,0
Total 50 100,0
The results (in Table 4.2) have indicated that 58 percent and 42 percent was male and female and
were participating in poultry farming respectively. The participation of women in poultry was
relatively high because it was an activity that helps them to manage their household. It was found
out by Guèye (2003) that family poultry keeping is usually the responsibility of women. The
major role played by women, assisted in some cases by children, in Poultry production in
developing countries is widely recognized (Guèye, 2000, 2003). Although they are generally the
main poultry owners and they take care of birds, women usually do not usually make the
decisions on the use of poultry and eggs (i.e. consumption, selling, exchange). The classic
division of roles and responsibilities in most traditional societies implies that women have access
to Poultry, but do not have full control over the production tools and the benefits gained from
them. According to Guèye (1998), more than 70% of chicken owners in rural areas of sub-
Saharan Africa are women, while traditionally pigeons belong only to children (boys). On the
whole, women’s involvement in poultry farming tends to decrease with increased level of
intensification, and the relationship can be described as y= f(1/x); where, y is the women’s
involvement in poultry farming, and x is the level of intensification (Guèye, 2003).

4.1.3 Level of education
Table 4.3 Education level of respondents
Education level Frequency Percent
Illiterate 6 12,0
Primary 32 64,0
Secondary 11 22,0
Vocation 1 2,0
Total 50 100,0
From the results, (in table 4.3) 64 percent of interviewees have at least entered in the primary and
know how to read and write. It is observed that a non-negligible part of respondents have
reached secondary school at a level of 22 percent, unfortunately 12 percent were illiterate. This is
an indicative of low level of socio-economic development in many rural areas, especially for
farmers it means that agriculture and related activities still have problem of development. It has
been proved that the level of education attained by a farmer not only increases his farm
efficiency and productivity but also enhances his ability to understand and evaluate new
production technologies (Obasi, 1991). It has also been revealed that, educational level of
farmers had positive and significant relationship with average production which could be due to
sound knowledge and efficient management required of poultry farmers to ensure profitability in
poultry business (Adeabayo & Adeyola, 2005).
4.1.4 Marital status
Table 4.4 Marital status of respondents
Marital status Frequency Percent

Single 10 20,0
Married 31 62,0
Widower 9 18,0
Total 50 100,0

The results demonstrated (table 4.4) that 62 percent of the respondents are heads of households
(married).This logically indicate that they were responsible for the activities concerned. It is
observed that the higher percentage of married individuals indicated that seriousness and
responsibility can lead to their socio-economic development. 20 percent of respondents were
single; this percentage indicates that there were some households which were headed by orphans
and others who practiced poultry farming in order to increase their income for the future. It has
been reported a positive but insignificant value for the effect of marital status on efficiency on of
small-scale poultry egg production in Nigeria. (Ashagidigbi& Adesiyan & Suleiman, 2011).
4.1.5 Land holding
Table 4.5 Land holding of respondents
Land holding Frequency Percent
0.5-1 ha 38 76,0
1-5ha 12 24,0
Total 50 100,0
The results (in table 4.5) have shown that the level of land holding was another factor of socio-
economic development, 76 percent had less than 1 ha. This shows that as far as socioeconomic
development is concerned, activities that do not require big land are welcome and this underlines
the need to develop poultry as a landless activity with high level of productivity. It was found out
only 24 percent had more than 1 ha.
4.1.6 Level of experience of poultry farmers
Table 4.6 Farmer experience in poultry farming
Year of beginning Poultry farming Frequency Percent

before 2000 11 22,0
2000-2005 12 24,0
2005-2010 18 36,0
2010-2012 9 18,0
Total 50 100,0

The study also revealed that 70 percent have at least 5 years of experience in poultry farming.
This can mean that this activity has been practiced by farmers for many years ago. It was found
that veterinary services, and increase in farmers’ awareness on the importance of keeping poultry
as a source of protein and income, could be the reasons to push the number of poultry farmers to
increase. 18 percent of them had between 1 and 2 years of experience as poultry farmers while
more than 30 percent had over 6 to 10 years of experience, an indication that they were
experienced, which may be a reason while poultry farmers were reluctant to be members of
poultry association. This is because their wealth of experience is much to rely upon for
knowledge and act upon for poultry practices than joining poultry association for possible
assistance.
4.1.7 Types of livestock
Table 4.7 Types of livestock kept by farmers
Types of livestock Frequency Percent

goat, chicken, pig 2 4,0
cattle, goat, chicken 8 16,0
chicken only 8 16,0
chicken and pig 6 12,0
chicken and cattle 6 12,0
chicken and goat 19 38,0
cattle, chicken and pig 1 2,0
Total 50 100,0
According to the results (the table 4.7), 38 percent are engaged in poultry and did have also goat
this showed that activities that do not require big capital can help people in the rural areas.

4.1.8 Size of the family
Figure 4.1: Family size
25
20
15 Family members
10 Frequency
5 Percent
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
The figure (4.1) depicts the size of family of respondents and more than 60 percent were having
more than 5 people in their family. This could be one of the reasons for slow level of socio-
economic development in rural areas, where big-sized families are found.
4.2 Findings according to variables
4.2.1 Situation of poultry farming
Poultry farming was practiced for subsistence and not for commercial purpose. And its
production was still low.
4.2.1.1 Types of chicken
Table 4.8 Types of chicken
Types of chicken held Frequency Percent

local breed 29 58.0
exotic breed 4 8.0
cross breed 10 20.0
local breed and local breed 7 14.0
Total 50 100.0

According to the results (table 4.8), few people were keeping exotic breeds (8 percent of
respondents), and others said to be herding cross breed (20 percent) whereas the rest were
keeping local breeds. This was due to the reason that local breeds do not require much care, and
they were thought to be easy to herd although they did not have high productivity.
4.2.1.2 Breed preferences of farmers
Table 4.9 Types of breeds preferred by farmers
Types of breed Frequency Percent

Exotic layers 24 48.0
Local layers 1 2.0
Others 25 50.0
Total 50 100.0
The results (in table 4.9) showed the kind of preferred chicken breeds, it is worthy to be noted
that there were no other poultry species in the area; chicken was found to be the only herd by
people of the area of the study. Exotic layers was found to be the type of chicken that people are
wishing to keep as they produce a considerable number of eggs, and according to 48 percent of
respondents they could help them to increase the level of income and hence help them to achieve
social-economic development. Considering the rest of the proportion of respondent (2
percent),local chicken breeds were their preference because they do not require high
maintenance.50 percent of respondents affirmed to prefer cross breeds as they are relatively in
the middle of local and exotic breed, and are able of brooding. So keeping them might allow
them to get eggs and new chicks, hence achieve some additional income.
4.2.1.3 Vaccination
Table 4.10 Vaccination in the flock
Vaccination Frequency Percent
Yes 32 64.0
No 18 36.0
Total 50 100.0

The results (table 4.10) have showed that only 64 percent have had their chicken vaccinated for
the first time, whereas the rest was waiting for their turn. And this showed how veterinary
services are still insufficient with respect to poultry sector. The use of poultry vaccines is aimed
at avoiding or minimizing the emergence of clinical disease at farm level, thus increasing
production (Marangon &Busani, 2006).
4.2.1.4 Different system used in poultry farming
Table 4.11 Poultry Farming system
Farming system Frequency Percent

Scavenging 28 56.0
Improved scavenging 19 38
Semi-intensive 2 4.0
Intensive system 1 2
Total 50 100.0
Figure 4.2: Systems used by Farmers in Gisagara
Source: Pictures by the Author, taken on 3rd April 2012.
According the findings (in table 4.11), many poultry farmers (56 percent of the respondents) let
their animals feed themselves, only shelter is provided. And 38 percent of respondents provided
some cares to their animals and those care included shelter, and provision of grain at a dairy
basis, another part of respondents recognized to be using a semi-intensive system where chicken

were grouped and protected in a specific area and fed with grain, but when it is not in a cropping
season they are freed for a certain time to scavenge. In addition there is Rwabisemanyi farm
which use chicken in integrated system with fish where chicken are kept intensively to fertilize
fish ponds.
In the very few cases in which the intensive management system was practiced, it is the small-
scale option that is adopted. The choice of system is largely determined by the availability of
resources and inputs, i.e. housing, cages, feed, drugs and time/attention (Guèye, 2002a). The
level of inputs also depends on the keeper’s or households’ socio-economic circumstances. Thus,
most Poultry farmers adopt the free-range, backyard and semi-intensive husbandry systems, in
that order.
Typically four poultry management systems have been distinguished (Bessei, 1987; Sonaiya et
al., 1999; Branckaert and Guèye, 2000; Guèye, 2002a; Guèye et Bessei, 2003), namely
(1) the free-range system or unimproved backyard system: scavenging, no regular water or
feed, little or poor night shelter;
(2) the improved backyard system: regular water, supplementary feeding, improved shelter,
care of chicks in the first weeks, vaccination against Newcastle disease and other diseases (e.g.
fowl pox, fowl cholera,Gumboro disease, coccidiosis), when necessary, and treatment for
parasites;
(3) the semi-intensive system: as in (2),above, with genetically improved breeds and balanced
diets; and
(4) the small-scale intensive system: as in the semi-intensive system, with further
improvements in overall husbandry conditions.

4.2.1.5 Use of commercial feeds
Table 4.12 Commercial feeds in poultry farming
Use of concentrates feeds Frequency Percent

Yes 2 4.0
No 33 66.0
Yes some times 15 30.0
Total 50 100.0
The results revealed that there is still a low level of investment in poultry farming in rural areas
due the lack of skills and means.
4.2.1.6 Level of production
Figure 4.3 Egg production
egg production
120
100
frequencies
80
60
40
20
0
50 60 70 75 80 90 100 150 180 200 230 300 500 1500 Total
number of eggs
The figure above shows the quantity of eggs produced per year, by different households and
from this we can say that poultry faming is still an untapped opportunity that needs to be further
exploited.
4.2.2 Profitability of poultry farming

Profitability from poultry was still very low but considering the level of investment used in
poultry farming, it was not to blame; from this, the researcher found that if much effort were put
in caring about chicken profitability would increase resulting to social development.
4.2.2.1 Income from poultry
Table 4.13 Income from poultry
Income from poultry in Rwf Frequency Percent
<50000 46 92.0
>50000 3 6.0
100000 1 2.0
Total 50 100.0
The study revealed that, 92 percent of the respondents were not able to get 50,000 Rwf per year
from poultry; 6 percent recognized to be able to get a benefit of more than 50,000 Rwf per year
whereas only 2 percent were able to get 100,000 Rwf from poultry farming. From this the low
level of productivity that is prevailing in poultry farming in rural areas could be due to the lack
of skills, inadequate capital, insufficient veterinary services and high level of wastage related to
diseases, predators and inappropriate farming practices that are used by poultry farmers.
However it has been revealed that poultry production can be relied upon as a major source of
income for the family (Oladeji, 2010).
4.2.2.2 Reason for practice of poultry farming
Table 4.14 Reason for practice poultry farming
Reason why poultry Frequency Percent

Eggs 9 18.0
Income 16 32.0
Fight malnutrition 3 6.0
More than one reason 22 44.0
Total 50 100.0

During the survey farmers revealed reasons why they are engaged in poultry farming and, 44
percent affirmed to have more than one reason that pushed them to do poultry farming, and those
reasons include eggs, money, meat, fight against malnutrition, manure etc…
4.2.2.3 Achievement from poultry
Table 4.15 Achievements from poultry farming
Achievements from poultry Frequency Percent

Yes 50 100.0
According to the results from the survey, all of respondents recognized that poultry farming has
changed their lives in one way or another; and confirmed that they are socio-economically
different from the rest who do not keep poultry. They also declared that they were expecting to
continue poultry farming and look forward to make it a more profitable business activity.
4.2.2.4 Achievement got by poultry farmers
Table 4.16 Kind of Achievements from poultry farming
Achievements from poultry Frequency Percent

Medical insurance 10 20.0
Food security 8 16.0
School fees 2 4.0
Basic home necessity 13 26.0
Bought livestock 6 12.0
More than one 11 22.0
Total 50 100.0
The results (in table 4.16) revealed that some of the achievement that were attained by
respondents thanks to poultry and a considerable number of respondents (26 percent) said they
could find basic home necessity from poultry farming, and those included properties such as
mattress, radio, bicycle, etc.8 percent confirmed that they were able to afford food security
because their meals could have been increased from 1 meal or 2 meals to 3 meals per day. In our

survey 12 percent could buy livestock from poultry and 4 percent confirmed to get their school
fees from poultry farming, and 20 percent said to have acquired their medical insurance thanks to
selling the products from poultry farming. Also 11 percent affirmed to get more than one
achievement from poultry although none were able to make savings from poultry.
4.2.3 Constraints of poultry farming
Constraints met by poultry farmers are the following:

o Shortage of feed resources: Insufficient Food resources are a very important problem,
as poultry are in competition with human being for grains. This makes feed expensive
and not everyone is in a position to provide adequate feed to his flock. Thus as long as
long as adequate supplies of grain do not exist within a country, intensive forms of
poultry production cannot be practiced.
o High mortality and reproductive wastage: This is another big challenge to poultry
farmers because lack of necessary skills to raise poultry their rate of productivity is both
reduced by different diseases and by uncontrolled predators.
o Lack of suitable breeding stock: This is also another issue that is hindering poultry and
livestock producers in general. According to different respondents, some breeds do not fit
with climatic condition of the region and other are not in accordance to producers’
situation and means. It is also to be noticed that poultry in Rwanda is almost made of
chicken whereas other species exist and can be imported to develop the sector, and help
farmers achieve development.
o Lack of control on predators and diseases: Many poultry farmers cannot afford the
cost of housing their flock and are neither in a position to procure vaccines to their
animals, so this discourage many to invest in poultry as their consider poultry farming as
very risky business.
o Lack of organized market: In many rural areas market for poultry products are not
organized and cannot help poultry farmers attain development. Most people in the rural
areas are poor and therefore they do not provide a potential market for poultry products.
o Lack of appropriate skills for livestock management: Many poultry farmers are doing
that activity without any training and according to the survey all respondents affirmed to
have never got any training, some said to have got the idea thanks to what they called

“ubwenge kamere”(natural skills) whereas others got the idea from their neighbor of
Burundi.
o Poor extension: This is principally due to a small number of extension agents where one
agent has to take care of all livestock species in the sector. Also many centers lack
manpower and facilities. Therefore farmers do not get enough advice from extension
staff.
o Inadequate institutional support: In most cases, people resort to use simple means in
their farming activities which stick them to subsistence production. Most rural people do
not have collateral securities to present to financial institutions to get loans to buy inputs,
insurance companies are also found to be reluctant to cover agriculture risks.
o Stock theft: Poultry farmers are facing the problem of losing their animals because of
thieves and predators.

CHAPTER V SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction
In this chapter, the researcher presents the summary of findings; draw conclusion and makes
recommendations in relation to the findings of the research. Later on, the researcher suggests
areas for further research, areas he could not tackle due to the limitation of this study.
5.2 Summary of findings
The summaries of the findings are presented in accordance with the objectives of the study and
research questions and hypotheses, the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents
include age, sex, education level, and marital status.
During the survey the socioeconomic status of poultry farmers has been investigated. According
to survey results people with many responsibility were found to be the one that are engaged in
poultry farming in order to increase the level of income. Those people were found to be in the
age group of 18-50. Looking at sex, the majority of the respondents were male, 58 percent. This
meant that due to the gender imbalances in the country, female were less participative in rural
economic activities in general; in this regard poultry farming which was found to be a promising
opportunity can be a way to help women to participate in rural economic development.
Education level of respondents justify that education standard of Rwanda particularly in rural
areas is still very low, and this was found to be among the important limiting factors of
socioeconomic development in Rwandan rural areas. Concerning marital status, we have a
significant number of widows and orphans due to the Tutsi’s genocide and war of 1994.
In addition, the remaining research questions have been tested and have been verified by
collected data. The structure of poultry farming in the rural areas was found to be at the
subsistence level of production. Traditional backyard poultry rearing was found to be a common
feature in rural poor households since many years in Gisagara district.
The profitability of poultry farming in rural areas was found to be not satisfying because of low
level of investment and to rudimentary farming practices. In addition the constraints experienced
by poultry farmers were also investigated and determined.

Furthermore the contribution of poultry farming which was found to be at its minimum level
have been developed by different strategies that were both proposed by the researcher and
interviewees from different place where the research was carried upon. However it was found
out by the researcher that Poultry farming has shown positive impacts on livelihood
improvement in Kigembe and Save Sectors through:
o Gender promotion (support the most vulnerable social groups often particularly women
and Households headed by women)
o Income generation (employment creation on the farm especially for individuals)
o Household nutrition improvement (kitchen garden, eggs and meat, etc)
o Environmental protection (soil fertility, less environmental pollution)
o Food security (increased production through integrated fish farming; protein intake)
o Rural community development (infrastructures)
o Family health and education improvement (health insurance, school fees)
5.3 General conclusion
On account of the interpretation of collected and analyzed data during the course of this study,
the researcher came up with the following conclusions. It was found that livestock production
especially poultry production, although it is now found underexploited by rural farmers has
paramount contribution to the income of rural households in Rwanda.
If poultry farmers get appropriate skills for livestock management especially poultry, have access
to infrastructures, feed resources, suitable breeding stock, institutional support, sufficient
veterinary services, it is evident that the contribution of poultry will be at its maximum and will
allow socio-economic development; and hence improve the life standards of rural people and the
economy of the country in general.
Cooperatives have proved to be the most effective way of bringing socio-economic development
in rural areas. They have the ability to organize and mobilize people to help themselves within
the rural area by facilitating them to get sure market for their poultry products. This was found to
be another lacking factor that would help poultry farmers attain socio-economic development
through poultry farming.

5.4 Recommendations
 The improvement in poultry production in Rwanda should begin with the cockerel
exchange program to upgrade indigenous chicken and poultry in general for getting better
production potential.
 In the extension system, the government, NGOs, and donor agencies should provide
short-term training and finance to the poorest segments in rural areas, to make their
activities sustainable. The support should also be adequate and available in all rural areas
of the country.
 The traditional backyard poultry rearing should be organized to be transformed into
small-scale commercial poultry farming.
 Research and extension on the development of poultry farming in rural has been given
little attention and should be much focused as it showed to be of relevance in
socioeconomic development of rural areas.
 As poultry farming has proved to be a beneficial and potential source of income and
employment generating activity, the educated and unemployed youth should be
encouraged and empowered to take part in poultry rearing for employment and income
generation.
 Vaccination program must be enhanced to increase poultry farmers’ confidence in their
activity. Hence promote sustainability of this sector.
 Cooperatives of poultry farmers can allow increasing productivity in poultry through
mobilization and different program can easily reach farmers hence socio-economic
development can rapidly be achieved.
 Developmental organizations should consider poultry as one of sector that can help to
reduce rural poverty.
 Thus for rural family poultry keepers, it is more appropriate to maintain and improve
local birds to meet the increasing demand of conservative meat consumers.
 Infrastructures in the rural areas are a very crucial issue to be addressed in the process of
rural development as they showed to be of great importance in the way towards better life
conditions to rural people.

5.5 Suggestions for further research
It is also recommended that further researches should be carried out on the following areas:
i. Types of poultry species that can improve productivity in Rwandan rural areas
ii. Feeding program of poultry on basis of local feeds resources
iii. Impact of VUP umurenge on socioeconomic development of Rwandan rural areas
iv. Level of contribution of poultry to socio-economic rural development

REFERENCES
Books and papers
REMA, (2009). Rwanda state of environment and outlook Report. Kigali.
ROR, (2004). National Environmental Policy 2003. Ministry of Lands, Environment, Forestry,
Water and Mines, Republic of Rwanda (ROR). Kigali.
Akilu, A. H. (2007). Village poultry in Ethiopia; Socio-technical analysis and learning with
farmers.
Bibangambah, J. (2001). Africa’s Quest for Economic development-Uganda’s experience.

Kampala.
Bessei, W.(1987). Tendencies of World Poultry Production. Paper presented at the 3rd
International DLGSymposium on Poultry Production in Hot Climates, 19-22 June 1987,
Hameln, Germany.
Dolgberg, F. (2003). Poultry production for livelihood improvement and poverty alleviation.
Fao. (2012). Livestock sector development for poverty reduction: an economic and policy
perspective – Livestock’s many virtues, by J. Otte, A. Costales, J. Dijkman, U. Pica-
Ciamarra, T. Robinson,V. Ahuja, C. Ly and D. Roland-Holst. Rome, pp. 161. Rome.
Fao. (2003). Poultry as a tool for poverty alleviation.
Fao. (2003 ). Review of household poultry production as a tool in poverty reductionwith focus on
Bangladesh and India. Pro-Poor Livestock Policy of FAO, PPLPI working paper #6, pp
1-40. . Rome.
Fao. (2004). Small-scale poultry production, technical guide manual. Rome.
Fao. (2004). The role of livestock in economic development and poverty reduction. Rome.
GOR. (2007). Rwanda vision 2020.
Gueye, E. (2004). Gender aspects in family poultry management systems in developing

countries.

Habyarimana, J. (2010). Analyzing the contribution of higher learning institutions on rural
development in Rwanda: case of the study SPREAD-NUR and Abahuzamugambi Coffee
Cooperative Maraba. Huye.
Hermann, M. (2010). Lectures notes of Rwandan economy, in Agricultural economics and

agribusiness Bacc II. huye.
Jennifer, A. E. (2006). An introduction to sustainable development, 3rd Edition.
Justus, M. I., & Bute, G. (2001). Social sciences research methodology series: issues in social
sciences research, module 3. Addis Abeba.
Maina, K. (2001). Rural poverty decentralization and development.
Minagri. (2004). Food Security Research Project (FSRP1 et Division des Statistiques Agricoles
(DSA). Kigali.
Minagri. (2004). Plan stratégique de transformation de l’agriculture au Rwanda ; Animal

production sub-sector. Kigali.
Minagri. (2006). Self Evaluation of the PRSP by Agriculture Sector Working Group of the Rural
Cluster. Joint Sector Review. Ministry of Agriculture and Animal resources . Kigali:
Minagri.
Nyabyenda, J. (2011). Contribution to the study of Zoo- Sanitary Parameters of Goats in

Nyanza District. Huye.
UNDP&UNEP. (2006). Environment and poverty reduction in Rwanda. An Assessment. Kigali.
Sen, A. (1999). Development as Freedom. Oxford: Oxford Univerity Press.
NISR. (2008). Rwanda in statistics and figures 2008. Kigali.
Todaro, M. P., & Smith, S. (2011). Economic development, 11th Edition. Adison Wesley.

FAO. (2010). Small commercial and family poultry production in France: characteristics, and
impact of HPAI regulations, by E. Fermet-Quinet and C. Bussière. FAO Smallholder
Poultry Production Paper No. 3. Rome.
Oladeji, J. O, (2010). Sources and utilization of poultry production information among poultry
farmers in Oyo State; International Journal of Livestock Production Vol. 2 (2), pp. 011-
016, February 2012 Available online at http://www.academicjournals.org/IJLP ISSN
2141-2448 ©2011 Academic Journals
Obasi, P. C., (1991). “Resource use Efficiency in Food Crop Production: A case of the Owerri
Agricultural Zone of Imo State”. MSc. Thesis University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
W.M. Ashagidigbi, S.A. Sulaiman and A. Adesiyan ,(2011).Technical and Allocative Efficiency
of Poultry Egg Producers in Nigeria
S. Marangon & L. Busani, (2006). The use of vaccination in poultry production.
Gueye, E.F. (1998). Village egg and fowl meat production in Africa. Worlds Poultry Science
Journal, 54: 73–86
MINECOFIN,(2002). National Poverty Reduction; June, 2002
MINAGRI, (2004) .Politique Agricole Nationale ‘ Plan Stratégique pour la Transformation de
l’Agriculture”, PSTA, Mars 2004
MINAGRI,(1992). Appui a la mise en oeuvre -de la stratégie pour le développement économique
et social de la République Rwandaise, Genève, 2-3Juillet 1992
Bilance, (1997).“A world in balance – Bilance stands for Social Development: Policy paper”.
Oegstgeest, September 1997

Delgado, C., Rosegrant, M., Steinfeld, H., Ehui, S., and Courbois, C.,(1999). “Livestock to
2020 – The Next Food Revolution”. Food, Agriculture and the Environment Discussion
Paper 28. IFPRI/FAO/ILRI.
Dolberg, F. ,(2003). Review of Household Poultry Production as a Tool in Poverty Reduction

with Focus on Bangladesh and India. Pro-Poor Livestock Policy Initiative Working
Paper No. 6. Rome: FAO.
Todd, H. (1998).,Women climbing out of poverty through credit; or what do cows have to do
with it?Livestock Research for Rural Development, Vol. 10
(3).www.cipav.org.co/lrrd/lrrd10/3/todd103.htm
Saunders, M. et al.,(2009). Research methods for business students. 5th edition. Essex, Prentice
Hall.
Grinnell, R. M. & Williams, M.,(1990). Research in social work: A primer. Itasca, IL: F. E.
Peacock, pp. 139-176.
Sonaiya E.B (1999b)., Backyard Poultry production for socioeconomic advancement of

Nigerian Family:Requirements for Reaserch and development.
Delgado, C., Rosegrant, M., Steinfeld, H., Ehui, S., and Courbois, C.,(1999). “Livestock to
2020 – The Next Food Revolution”. Food, Agriculture and the Environment Discussion
Paper 28. IFPRI/FAO/ILRI.
Brankaert, R.D.S., Gaviria, L., Jallade,J., Seiders, R.W., (2000). Transfer of technology in
poultry production for developing countries. Paper presented at World’s Poultry
Congress, Montreal, Canada, 20-24 August, 2000. Accessed February 2012,
www.fao.org/ag/aga/AGAP/LPA/ fampo1/links.htm
Dolberg, F., (2001). A livestock development approach that contributes to poverty alleviation
and widespread improvement of nutrition among the poor. IFAD workshop Malnutrition
in Developing Countries: generating capabilities for effective community action, pp. 12

Dolberg, F., (2003). The Review of Household Poultry Production as a Tool in Poverty
Reduction with a focus on Bangladesh and India [Online]. Italy [Rome]. FAO. Accessed
March 2012, www.fao.org/ag/againfo/projects/es/pplpi/docarc/wp6.pdf
Gunaratne, S.P., Chandrasiri, A.D., Hemalata W.A., Roberts J.A., (1993). Feed resource
base for scavenging village chickens in Srilanka. Tropical Animal Health and Production
26, 249-257
Kitalyi, A.J., (1998). Village chicken production systems in rural Africa.Household food
security and gender issues. FAO animal production and health paper No 142. Rome.
Accessed March 2012, www.fao.org/ docrep/003/W8989E/W8989E00.HTM
Askov, H., Dolberg, F., (2002). A conceptual framework for using poultry as a tool in poverty
alleviation. University of Aarhus, Aarhus,Denmark.
Owen,E., Kitalyi, A., Jayasuriya, N., Smith, T.,(2005). Livestock and wealth creation.
Improving the husbandry of animals kept by resource-poor people in developing
countries. Department for International Development. Nottingham press, Nottingham,
UK
Kristensen, E., Larsen, C.E.S., Kyvsgaard, N., Madsen, J., Hendriksen, J., (1999).Livestock
production: the twenty first century’s food revolution. In Poultry as a tool in poverty
eradication and promotion of gender equality. Proceedings of a workshop, 22-26 March.
Tune Landsboskole, Denmark
Garces, L., (2002). The Livestock Revolution and its impact on smallholders. Low External
Input and sustainable Agriculture, LEISA. Magazine. Accessed February 2012,
www.ileia.org/2/18-1/07-09.PDF
Kristjanson, P., Krishna, A., Radeny, M., Nindo, W., (2004). Pathways out of poverty in
Western Kenya and the role of Livestock. Pro-poor livestock policy initiative.
International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and PPLPI working paper No 14
Peacock, C., (2005). Goats - a pathway out of poverty. Small Ruminant Research 60, 179-186

Holmann, F., Rivas, L., Urbina, N., Rivera, B., Giraldo, L.A., Guzman, S., Martinez, M.,
Medina, A., Ramirez, G., (2005). The role of livestock in poverty alleviation: An
analysis of Colombia. Livestock Research for Rural Development 17, 1. Accessed
January 2012, www.cipav.org.co/ lrrd/lrrd17/01/holm17011.htm
Dossa, H., Birner, R., Wollny, C., (2003). Small ruminants and livelihoods of poor rural people
in Southern Benin. Abstract. Deutscher Tropentag, 8-10 October 2003. Gottingen,
Germany
Ashley, S., Holden, S., Bazeley, P., (1999). Livestock in poverty focused development. Livestock
in development. Crewkerne, UK, pp. 94
Devendra, C., Chantalakhana, C., (2002). Animals, poor people and food insecurity:
opportunities for improved livelihoods through efficient natural resource management.
Outlook on Agriculture 31, 161–175
Mack, S., Hoffmann,D., Otte, J., (2005).The contribution of poultry to rural development.
World’s Poultry Science Journal 61, 7-14
Sonaiya, E.B., (1990). The context and prospects for development of smallholder rural poultry
production in Africa. In: CTA seminar proceedings, volume 1. Smallholder Rural Poultry
Production, Thessaloniki, Greece, pp. 35-52
Sonaiya, E.B., (2000). Issues in family poultry development research. Publication of

International Network for Family Poultry Development. Department of Animal Science,
Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife-Ife, Nigeria
Sonaiya, E.B., Branckaert, R.D.S., Guèye, E.F.,(1999). Research and development option for
family poultry. First INFPD/FAO Electronic Conference on Family Poultry. Accessed
January 2012,
faoext02.fao.org/waicent/faoinfo/agricult/aga/agap/lps/fampo/intropap.htm
Whyte, M., (2002). Poultry studies and Anthropological Research Strategies. Characteristics
and parameters of family poultry production in Africa. IAEA, Vienna, Austria, pp. 187-
192

Adebayo, O. O., & Adeola, R. G. (2005). Socio-Economics Factors Affecting Poultry Farmers in
Ejigbo.
Cochran,W.G. (1977).Sampling techniques. New York: Mc-Hill Education Limited.
Electronic references
http://www.isar.rw/spip.php?article88accessed on 11 march 2012.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poultry_farming accesed on 24 march 2012.
http://www.nal.usda.gov/ric/ricpubs/what_is_rural.shtml accessed on 24 march 2012

http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/programmes/en/pplpi/docarc/wp6.pdf
http://Rwandagateway.org
http://www.statistics.gov.rw
http:www.gisagaradistrict.gov.rw
http:www.umworozi.com

APPENDIX
Appemdix 1 : Questionnaire
Subject:
CONTRIBUTION OF POULTRY FARMING IN

SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF
RWANDAN RURAL AREAS
Case Study: GISAGARA DISTRICT
Questionnaire Number ……………………………………………………………....
Sector ………………………………………………………………………………....
Cell ……………………………………………………………………………….......
Village …………………………………………………………………………………
Respondent Names …………………………………………………………………..
Date…………………………………………………………………………………...
SECTION A: Head of household information
1. Sex: Male
Female
2. Age: > 18
18-30
31-50
50-65
>65

3. Marital status: single
Married
Widow(er)
Divorced
Separated
4. Family members (Number)
5. Education level: Primary
Secondary
University
Vocation
Others………
6. Land ownership (average): Below 0.5 ha
Between 0.5-1 ha
Between 1-5 ha
Above 5 ha
SECTIO B. POULTRY PRODUCTION
1. What types of livestock species do you keep? (Rank 1 as the most important species)
Class cattle Goat sheep chicken Others(specify)

Number
Rank
2. From when did you start keep poultry?.........................................................................................

3. How did you receive your animals (poultry)? Bought
Entrust/ or Confiage
Gift
Other (Specify)…………
3. What kind of breed of poultry do you keep?
Local breed
Exotic: e.g Rhode Red Island
Cross-breed (Hybrid): Local x Rhode Red Island
Other (specify)………………………………………….
4. Do you appreciate the type of breed you have?
Yes No
Explain
why…………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………...
5. Which kind of breed do you prefer?

..........................................................................................................................................................
Why…………………………………………………………………………………………………
6. What is your reason for keeping poultry? (Tick one or more and rank 1 as the most
common use)
Use Rank Use Rank

Meat Money/income
Eggs Status
Manure Others(specify)

7. On average how much eggs/meat do you get per year?................................................................
8. Comment on the quality of eggs. Poor Good Excellent
9. What is the current price of fresh egg/chicken?.................
10. Are the price of egg/chicken the same throughout the year? Yes No
What do you think are the reasons of price

change?..............................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
11. Where do you sell you products from

poultry?..............................................................................................................................................
12. On average how much money do you get from poultry farming in a
year?...................................................................................................................................................
SECTION C: POULTRY FARMING
1. How many times do you feed animals? < 1x/day 2x/day 3x/day
2. What type of production system do you use in your poultry farming?
Scavenging (free range)
Improved Scavenging (improved shelter and Newcastle Disease vaccination)

Semi-intensive
Intensive (deep litter)

Intensive (cages)
Others (Specify)……………………………………………………
3. What are the sources of feeds for your animals?
Food residues
Bought in feed

Other(Specify)………………………………………………………………………………………
4. Do you feed your animal with cereals? Yes No
If yes, which cerals grains do you prefer to use? Maize rice sorghum wheat
Other (specify)………………………………………….…………………………………………..
5. Do you feed commercial concentrates to your animal? Yes No
If yes, which type of commercial concentrate do you use?RiceBran MaizeBran

Others(Specify)………………………………………………………………………
6. If you provide concentrates feeds, where do you get them from? ................................................
7. Do you provide the water to your poultry? Yes No
If yes, how many times per day? ......................................................................................................
8. What is the source of water do you provide to your animal? …………………………………..
9. Have you had training on poultry farming? Yes No
If no, why?.........................................................................................................................................
10.How did you get knowledge on poultry farming? Training from the extension agent
From neighbor
others (specify)………………………………………………………………
Section D: ANIMAL HEALTH
1. Have you ever vaccinated your animals? Yes No
If yes, how many times……….
2. What are common diseases found in this region? Enumerate at least four (4)
............................................................................................................................................................

3. Do you often practice cleaning of your poultry cage? Yes No
If yes how many times a month?..............
4. Have you registered any death in your poultry (number)? Yes No
If yes, what kind of disease do you think it was the main cause?......................................................
SECTION E: ECONOMY AND WELFARE
1.What pushed you to practice poultry farming?
i)……………………………..
ii)…………………………….
2.Are there achievements that your family has reached thanks to poultry farming?
Yes No
3. Compare your achievement before and after you started poultry farming
Achievements Before poultry farming After poultry farming

Afford medical insurance
Maintained food security
Afford school fees for children
Able to save
Rehabilitate/build a house
Bought a land
Others(specify)
4. Compare your level of income before and after starting poultry farming
Opinion Before poultry farming After poultry farming

Very good
Good
No difference
Poor

5. Do you calculate your benefit from poultry farming? Yes No
If Yes, estimate the amount of money you earn from poultry per month………………………...
6. Is there any change that poultry farming has brought to the well-being and economic
development of the population in your rural area? Yes No
If Yes, give an example……………………………………………………………………………
7. Do you participate in poultry farming cooperative? Yes No
If no, why?........................................................................................................................................
SECTION F: SUGGESTIONS
1. What do you think can be done to improve poultry farming in your area?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
SECTION G: CONSTRAINTS FACED BY POULTRY FARMERS
What constraints do you face in raising poultry? (Rank 1 is the most important)
Constraint rank Possible solutions

Shortage of feed resources
High mortality and reproductive wastage
Lack of suitable breeding stock
Lack of control on predators and diseases
Lack of organized market
Lack of appropriate skills for livestock management
Poor extension
Inadequate institutional support
Lack of infrastructures
Stock theft
Insufficient veterinary services
Others(specify)
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COLLABOLATION!

Apendix 2 : Administrative map of Gisagara district

Poultry and Socio Economic Rural Development in Rural Rwandan Areas

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Poultry and Socio Economic Rural Development in Rural Rwandan Areas

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF RWANDA

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND AGRI-BUSINESS

ACADEMIC YEAR 2011-2012

CONTRIBUTION OF POULTRY FARMING IN SOCIO-ECONOMIC

By: BUCYANA Souvenir Jean Jacques

Supervisor: Dr. NGABITSINZE J. Chrysostome

Co-supervisor: Mr. NKURUNZIZA Issa

HUYE, July 2012

Author’s names: Supervisor’s names:

Mr. BUCYANA Souvenir Jean Jacques Dr. NGABITSINZE J. Chrysostome

Mr. NKURUNZIZA Issa

Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page ii

This dissertation is graciously dedicated to:

The Almighty God,

My brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews and

Key words: Poultry in Rwanda, poultry farming, rural development

Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page iv

Thank you all!

Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page v

EDPRS : Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy.

EICV : Enquête Intégrale sur les Conditions de Vie des ménages.

FACAGRO : Faculty of Agriculture.

GOR : Government of Rwanda.

ISAR : Institut des Sciences Agronomiques du Rwanda.

Km2 : Kilometer Square.

MINAGRI : Ministry of agriculture and animal husbandry.

NISR : National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda.

NUR : National University of Rwanda.

ROR : Republic of Rwanda.

SPSS : Software Package for Social Studies.

UNEP : United Nations Environment Programme.

WFP : World Food Programme.

Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page vi

Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page ix

Table 2.1 Major causes of poverty identified in Rwanda........................................................... 13

Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page x

Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page xi

Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page 2

I.2 Statement to the problem

Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page 3

I.3 Choice and interest to the study

I.4 Objectives of the study

I.4.1 General Objective

I.4.2 Specific objectives

 To investigate the present situation of poultry farming in Gisagara district.

Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page 4

I.5 Research questions

 What is the structure of poultry farming in the rural areas?

I.6 Justification of the study

1.7 Organization of the study

(i) General introduction;

(ii) Literature review;

Include understanding of key concepts (poultry farming, Development, Social development,

(iii) Materials and methods;

Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page 5

Include socio-economic characteristics of sampled households, characterization of poultry

(v) Conclusion and recommendation;

Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page 6

Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page 7

Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page 8

Source: Rostow 19604

Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page 9

Contribution of poultry farming in socio-economic development of Rwandan rural areas Page 10