ANALYSIS OF TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF EXOTIC (SASSO) CHICKENS BY SMALLHOLDER PRODUCERS IN SILTE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

ABSTRACT The study was conducted of analysis technical efficiency of exotic (Sasso) chicken by smallholder producers, in Silte Zone, Central Region of Ethiopia. Due to the low productivity of domestic chickens, exotic (Sasso) chickens imported in to Ethiopia. However, the contribution of imported exotic (Sasso) chicken significantly lower than other African countries. The Egg potential of exotic (Sasso) chicken in Ethiopia is 240 eggs/years on average. But the actual egg output of exotic (Sasso) chicken in silte zone is about 150 eggs/years on average. However, the studies not adequately addressed the level of technical efficiency and factors influencing technical efficiency of the exotic (Sasso) chicken Production. Therefore, this study aims to identify level and factors influencing technical efficiency of the exotic (Sasso) chicken Production in the study area and fill the gap. A multi-stage sampling technique used to select nine kebeles from three districts randomly in the study area. Data collected from 272 sample households randomly selected as exotic (Sasso) chicken producers. The qualitative and quantitative data collected from both primary and secondary sources, Primary data collected through household survey, Key informant interviews and focus group discussions and the secondary data collected from annual reports, books and internet sources. Methods for data analysis included descriptive and Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA). According to research result, the average level of TE was found as 85%. Factors identified that significantly influence technical efficiency included the number of birds owned, feed usage, access to safe water, vaccination frequency, education level, poultry experience, and frequency of extension services positively affected technical efficiency where as non-farm participation, distance to market, livestock holding affects technical efficiency negatively. Based on the results of the study, the recommendations for improving poultry productivity include Agricultural Research Institute develop alternative sources of starch and protein chicken feed, the government should remove taxes on livestock feed, Farmers should adopt optimal flock sizes and improving poultry handling and care, especially healthcare, feeding, poultry housing and clean water supply, strengthening extension services, improving producer education and training, reducing market distance barriers.