Production Systems, Local Feed Resources and Major Factors Affecting Indigenous Chicken in Nyamira County, Kenya
| dc.contributor.author | Cheruiyot, John Kiplangat | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-03-16T09:50:47Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-03-16T09:50:47Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-11 | |
| dc.description | Indigenous chicken (IC) production is an important contributor to food security, income generation and rural employment in Kenya. However, productivity remains low due to limited of optimal production systems, underutilization of local feed resources and inadequate understanding of socioeconomic factors influencing production in Masaba North Sub-County, Nyamira County. Indigenous chicken remains key livelihood source yet empirical data on feed resource value, production practices and influencing factors are scanty. This study sought to determine the production systems, assess the nutritive value of local feed resources and establish the major factors influencing indigenous chicken production. Data were collected from 169 farmers selected using simple random sampling method from 300 farmers in all 20 Common Interest groups (CIG) of indigenous chicken farmers in Masaba North Sub-County. In addition, all 10 indigenous chicken traders, 8 feed stores attendants and 9 Sub-County technical extension officers were recruited into the study after informed written consent and their data collected by focus group discussions using checklist for each category. Formal survey was carried out in the month of September 2023 by interviewing selected indigenous chicken farmers using a structured and semi-structured questionnaire. Proximate and mineral analysis of nine selected feed resource (Fish meal, Kales, Cabbages, Sweet potatoes, Cassava, Maize, Sorghum, Finger millet, Kikuyu grass) were conducted at Kenyatta University. Descriptive and multivariate analysis were done using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS version 22). Results revealed that most indigenous chicken farmers were youth (54.6%) and women (58%) operating under extensive system (61.5%), characterized by scavenging and supplemented with local feed resources. Newcastle, coccidiosis and chronic respiratory diseases were the most prevalent. The mean crude protein (CP) content was 18.9% and fish meal had the highest crude protein (CP) content (65.63%). The mean carbohydrate content was 47.1% and Cassava root had high carbohydrate content of 80.94%. Fish meal and maize had high ether extract (EE) content (9.86% and 4.07%). Crude fiber (CF) content was high on maize (36.13%) followed by kales (36.08%) and kikuyu grass (34.66%). Calcium content was high in Cabbage (1.71%). Kikuyu grass and finger millet had high Phosphorous content (0.67% and 0.64% respectively). Experience, family size and training significantly influenced egg production and mortality (p < .05). The study recommends promotion of locally available feed resource utilization, enhanced farmer training and strengthen disease control programs. The findings provide framework for formulating policies to enhance sustainable indigenous chicken productivity in Nyamira County and similar settings. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/32759 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.title | Production Systems, Local Feed Resources and Major Factors Affecting Indigenous Chicken in Nyamira County, Kenya | |
| dc.type | Thesis |