Challenges and Innovative Strategies Adopted by Nigerian Poultry Farmers in Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Era: A Delphi Approach

Abstract

Despite its vital role in Nigeria's economic growth and food production, the poultry industry continues to struggle, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study provides a consensus expert opinion on the challenges faced by Poultry farmers in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria in the aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic and used exploratory techniques to determine the innovative strategies adopted. The population of the study comprised 25 Poultry farmers, out of which 20 were accepted to constitute the expert panel for the study. At the end of round one, a total of 28 items were identified by the panel as challenges they faced in post COVID-19 Pandemic Era. At round two only 25 items met the cut-off mark of 2.50 and at the end of round three, only 18 items reached consensus at 60% criterion. The study showed that high cost of drugs and vaccines, scarcity of feed, increase in the cost of feed, high mortality rate, high cost of transportation among others were identified as the challenges faced by Poultry farmers. The study further found that innovative strategies such as formation of farmer clusters and cooperative society, encouraging partnership among one another, utilizing biosecurity measures, among others were adopted by the respondents to stay in business. It was therefore recommended that Poultry farmers should be motivated to form cluster groups and the Federal Government of Nigeria should be responsive to supporting farmers in input, value addition, and reduction of energy.