The study examined the constraints to smallholder turkey production in Zuru
Emirate of Kebbi State, Nigeria. Multi stage sampling technique was used to
select one hundred and eighty seven (187) turkey producers from four Local
Government Areas of the Emirate. Primary data were collected using
interview schedule. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics.
Result revealed that an average turkey farmer is male, aged between 31 and 40
years, attended up to tertiary institution. Majority are civil servants, married,
with a household size of about 1-5 persons, with average monthly income of
N31, 728.34 and has about 1-5 years’ experience in turkey production. The
result also identified seven constraints associated smallholder with turkey
production in the study area, they include high cost of feeds, low demand for
turkeys, inadequate capital, high cost of poults, disease incidence, mortality
rate and theft and predators. Result further indicated that high cost of feeds
(78%), low demand for turkeys (37.9%) and inadequate capital (29.9%) were
the major constraints facing smallholder turkey production in the study area as
it is ranked first. As a way of minimizing cost, it is recommended that
smallholder turkey farmers in the study area should learn how to formulate
their feeds and utilize local feed stuffs. Low demand for turkeys and the
seasonality of the sales of turkeys discourage many potential farmers.
Awareness on the importance of turkey meat for household consumption
should be stressed through various extension channels to stimulate demand for
turkey products this will in turn stimulate production. Turkey farmers in the
study area should form cooperative society to enable them have easy access to
credit facilities from financial institutions, acquisition of inputs at a subsidized
rate and other forms of assistance from the government.