Assessment on management practices and constraints of extensive poultry production in selected districts of eastern zone of Tigray, Ethiopia

Extensive poultry production is a common livelihood strategy in rural Ethiopia, including the Eastern Zone of Tigray, where it contributes significantly to household income and food security. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate management practices and production constraints in extensive poultry production across four districts of this zone. A total of 156 poultry-keeping households were surveyed using a structured questionnaire: 40 each from Ganta Afeshum, Gulomekada, and Wukro Kilte Awlaelo, and 36 from Saesi Tsada Emba. The study revealed that most poultry were housed within family dwellings, particularly in Wukro Kilte Awlaelo (62.5%) and Saesi Tsada Emba (58.3%). Management responsibilities primarily fell on women and children, especially in Gulomekada (42.5%) and Ganta Afeshum (37.5%). Scavenging was the dominant feeding system, notably in Saesi Tsada Emba (58.3%) and Ganta Afeshum (57.5%). Key production constraints included poor management practices such as lack of record keeping, inadequate housing, limited biosecurity, and weak feeding and health care, especially in Wukro Kilte Awlaelo (30%). Other reported challenges included feed shortages (Ganta Afeshum, 12.5%), lack of financial credit (Saesi Tsada Emba, 30.6%), insufficient training (Saesi Tsada Emba, 33.3%), and high incidences of diseases and predators (Wukro Kilte Awlaelo, 35%). Although opportunities were generally limited, access to credit was relatively better in Saesi Tsada Emba (52.8%) and extension services were more available in Ganta Afeshum (20%). In conclusion, the study highlights critical gaps in poultry management that hinder productivity. It is recommended that governmental and development organizations provide targeted training, strengthen extension and veterinary services, improve access to credit, and promote appropriate housing and feeding strategies to sustainably enhance rural poultry production in these areas.