Profit Efficiency of Broiler Production among Public Servant Household Heads in Kwara State, Nigeria: A Coping Strategy

The aims of the study were to describe socio-economic characteristics of urban and peri-urban broiler farmers, profitability of broiler production and determine its profit efficiency in Kwara State, Nigeria. Both primary and secondary data were collected from 120 respondents selected using simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected through field survey with the aid of structured questionnaire and production records between March and August, 2014. Data collected were analyzed using net farm income, multiple regression and stochastic frontier profit function. The results of socioeconomic characteristics revealed that the bulk of the respondents (72%) were within the active age of 25-50 years and about 92% had formal education. Broiler production is profitable with mean profit of ₦912 per bird and an average return of ₦1.98 for every ₦1 invested in the study area. The coefficients of drugs (p<0.01), day old chicks (p<0.01), feed (p<0.01) and education (p<0.05) of multiple regression analysis were significant determinants and the postulated explanatory variables explained about 58% in the variations of net income of broiler farmers. Results of profit frontier indicated that cost of family labour, feed, capital items and investment were significant (p < 0.01 and P < 0.1). The mean profit efficiency is 74% while the range is 30-98%. Also, age, household size and cooperative membership were the socio-economic variable responsible for the variation in profit efficiency of the broiler producers. It recommended that broiler farmers should form a formidable group to enjoy economic of scale to purchase broiler inputs and should be given adequate training through their cooperative by inviting resource personnel.