Analysing Challenges faced by smallholder poultry farmers selling eggs during Avian Influenza outbreak in 2023 : a case of Sekhukhune District Municipality

Abstract

The study analysed challenges faced by smallholder poultry farmers selling eggs during Avian influenza (AI) in 2023, Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) which is a highly contagious viral disease. The outbreak has mainly affected the poultry industry, with smallholder farmers in layer production being mostly affected due to losses caused by culling, restrictions movements and others such as changes in consumer behaviour. The study used primary cross-sectional data collected from 73 participants using a structured questionnaire, which was administered through a Google form through online interviews and face to face meetings. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques was used to gather participants. The study used Descriptive Statistics, Chi-square, and Binary Logistic Regression Model (BLR) to achieve the objectives of the study. Descriptive Statistics were used to address the first and second objectives of the study objectives, which were to profile the socio-economic characteristics of smallholder poultry farmers selling eggs in SDM and to identify and describe challenges faced by smallholder egg farmers in Sekhukhune District Municipality, during avian influenza outbreak in 2023. Binary Regression Logistic Model (BRL) analysed factors influencing number of challenges faced by smallholder farmers. Chi-square measured the difference in strategies employed by both genders. Descriptive results indicated that there were more male (56%) participants than females in the study area, with the youngest and oldest being 22 and 76 years old respectively. Most of respondents in the study area were unemployed. Based on Chi-square results all the p-values were greater than 0.05, which indicates that both male and female employed similar strategies. BRL model results indicated that education level, and poultry disease training were significant at 10% level. Diagnostic tests proved model reliability and validity of the model. The study recommended several strategies, including enhancement of education on poultry disease outbreaks.