Abstract:

Poultry contributes to improved human nutrition and food security by being a
leading source of high quality protein in form of eggs and meat. It acts as a key
supplement to revenue from crops and other livestock enterprises, thus avoiding
over dependency on traditional commodities with inconsistent prices. It has a high
potential to generate foreign exchange earnings through export of poultry products
to neighboring countries. Poultry is highly prized in many social-cultural functions
such as dowry and festivities. The poultry industry in Uganda is relatively new. Its
major problem is therefore associated with its further expansion, though care
must be taken to avoid overproduction. The industry is characterized by widely
diverse methods of production which include the following: village flocks, small
scale commercial flocks and large-scale commercial farms. Constraints in poultry
production include production related constraints (inadequate access to improved
breed, access and affordability of feed, disease control): lack of knowledge and skills,
inadequate capital at all levels and marketing.