Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research project aims to conduct a comparative profitability analysis of broiler production systems in urban areas of Edo State, Nigeria. The study is motivated by the increasing interest in poultry farming as a viable source of income for urban dwellers in Edo State. The specific objectives of the study include assessing the costs and returns of different broiler production systems, comparing the profitability of these systems, and identifying factors that influence the profitability of broiler production in urban areas. The research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of cost and revenue data with qualitative interviews and surveys to gather insights from broiler farmers in urban areas of Edo State. Data collection will involve on-site visits to broiler farms, interviews with farmers, and surveys to collect information on production costs, revenue, management practices, and challenges faced by broiler farmers. The analysis will focus on comparing the profitability of different broiler production systems, including intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive systems. Key performance indicators such as feed conversion ratio, mortality rate, and market price of broilers will be used to evaluate the economic viability of each production system. The study will also examine the influence of factors such as feed cost, labor cost, disease management, and market access on the profitability of broiler production. The findings of this research are expected to provide valuable insights for broiler farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the poultry industry. By comparing the profitability of different production systems, the study will help farmers make informed decisions on the most economically viable approach to broiler production in urban areas. Additionally, the identification of factors that influence profitability will guide policymakers in designing interventions to support sustainable and profitable broiler production in Edo State. Overall, this research project seeks to contribute to the existing knowledge on broiler production systems in urban areas of Edo State, Nigeria, and provide practical recommendations for improving the profitability and sustainability of broiler farming in the region.

Thesis Overview

Broiler production is carried out under different production systems and different production systems imply variations in cost of inputs and

returns. This study looked at the cost implications of raising broilers under different production systems as well as constraints faced by the farmers. The

study was conducted in Edo State of Nigeria. The data used in the study were obtained from a cross-sectional survey of broiler farmers in the State from

October–December, 2013. A multi-stage sampling process was used to select the 211 respondents for this study. The data collected were analyzed using

descriptive statistics, profitability ratios and multiple regression models. A five point Likert scale was used to judge level of severity of the constraints

faced by the farmers. The study showed that the mean age of farmers that adopted the battery cage systemwas 48 years and 46 years for the farmers that

used deep litter system. The Gross Margin analysis gave a value of N2,422.24 and a Net Farm Income (NFI) of N2,412.40 per bird for battery cage system

while the deep litter system had a gross margin of N1,601.77 and NFI of N1,593.80 per bird. The profitability ratios showed Rate of Return on Investment RRI

(91.69%), Return on Labour RL (N18.03), Return on Feed RF (N144.22) and Return Per Naira invested RNI (N0.91) for the battery

cage system as against Rate of Return on Investment RRI (70.74%), Return on Labour RL (N30.28), Return on Feed RF (N117.95), and Return Per Naira Invested

RNI (N0.71) for the deep litter system. This shows that both systems were profitable in the study area. The Return per

Naira Invested (RNI) showed that for every N1 invested a return of 91 kobo and 71 kobo accrued to the farmer for battery cage

and deep litter systems respectively. Only three variables in the regression model were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05), these were feed

cost, electricity, and purchase cost of day old chick for both the battery cage and deep littersystems. Feed cost was the major determinants of revenue

accruing to the farmers.