FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE PROFITABILITY OF POULTRY FARMING ENTREPRISES IN KIRA TOWN COUNCIL, WAKISO DISTRICT - UGANDA

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating factors that influence profitability of poultry farming enterprises in Kira Town Council. Factors were feeds, diseases and farmers’ knowledge. This was a correlation study, which applied both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study population comprised farmers and Key Informants. Quantitative data was collected using a questionnaire following a 5-likert scale and qualitative data was collected using interview guides. Data was analyzed using different statistical techniques which included descriptive statistics mainly mean and standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient to establish a causal influence of factors on profitability of poultry enterprises. The study established that the three factors (feeds, poultry diseases and a farmer’s knowledge) were strong predictors of profitability. Multiple regression results revealed that farmers’ knowledge has the strongest influence on profitability, followed by poultry diseases and then feeds. Major recommendations from the study were that Government should try to subsidize inputs on feeds and feed additives. Government could ensure that farmers get easy access to extension workers, such that delays in treating birds reduce, hence limiting the mortality rate. Farmers should also form farmers’ associations to share their views, look for markets and get more information concerning poultry farming. In addition to that, farmers should take record keeping seriously so that they get to know their costs, output and be able to determine whether they are making profits or losses.