Unlocking the Potential of Small-Scale Poultry Farmers: A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Exotic and Noiler Chicken Production in the Niger Delta

Small-scale poultry farming has the potential to enhance food security and livelihoods in the Niger Delta. However, farmers face challenges in optimizing profitability due to high production costs, limited access to credit, and market inefficiencies. This study conducts a cost-benefit analysis of Exotic and Noiler chicken production to provide insights into their economic viability and help small-scale farmers make informed decisions. A total of 450 poultry farmers were chosen using a multistage sampling method. Primary data were collected through using structured questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study specifically analyzes production costs, profitability, and key constraints affecting farmersThe study found that 65% of poultry farmers were men, with an average age of 41 years, and 70% had over five years of farming experience. Most farmers (60%) operated on a small scale, managing fewer than 500 birds. Production systems varied significantly: 50% of Noiler farmers practiced extensive farming compared to only 15% of Exotic farmers, while 55% of Exotic farmers adopted the intensive system compared to 10% of Noiler farmers. Cost analysis revealed that Exotic chicken production had significantly higher expenses (₦8,942.60 per bird) compared to Noiler chickens (₦5,236.84 per bird), with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.005). The BCR was higher for Noiler chickens (1.50) than for Exotic chickens (1.31), indicating greater cost efficiency. Profitability was positively influenced by access to credit, veterinary services, and farming experience, while major challenges included high feed costs, disease outbreaks, limited credit access, and poor market linkages. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, extension agents, and poultry farmers by highlighting the economic advantages of Noiler chicken production over Exotic breeds in small-scale farming. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions, such as improving access to financing, reducing feed costs, and enhancing market linkages, to boost the productivity and profitability of small-scale poultry enterprises in the Niger Delta.