CHALLENGES FACING CHICKEN PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT IN GANGLOTA, LOFA COUNTY, LIBERIA, WEST AFRICA

Abstract

Poultry production, particularly chicken rearing, plays a vital role in improving food security, nutrition, and household income in sub-Saharan Africa. Chickens provide affordable sources of animal protein through meat and eggs and generate quick returns due to their short production cycles and relatively low investment requirements. In Liberia, poultry farming is increasingly viewed as a promising avenue for rural development and poverty alleviation. However, despite this potential, chicken production remains constrained by several structural, economic, and technical challenges that hinder its sustainability. This study aimed to identify the key challenges affecting chicken production and management in Ganglota District, Liberia. A total of 52 poultry farmers were randomly selected and interviewed using structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results revealed that the majority of farmers (78.8%) practised free-range production systems, while 15.4% engaged in small-scale confined rearing and only 4.7% operated large-scale poultry enterprises. The most frequently reported challenges included thievery and insecurity (59.6%), lack of veterinary and extension services (56.0%), high input costs (51.2%), limited access to modern poultry technologies (69.0%), credit constraints (55.2%), inadequate market access (63.0%), and poor water availability (61.5%). The study concludes that poultry production in Ganglota is dominated by low-input systems that face significant management and institutional barriers. It recommends increased government support through affordable feed provision, strengthened extension and veterinary services, improved access to credit, and promotion of modern rearing technologies to enhance productivity and sustainability in the sector.