ASSESSMENT OF CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES IN SMALL SCALE POULTRY PRODUCT MARKETING IN MAKINDYE SSABAGABO MUNICIPALITY, WAKISO DISTRICT

Description

The purpose of this study was to establish challenges faced and strategies employed by Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality small scale poultry producers in marketing poultry products. A total of 44 small-scale poultry farmers were randomly selected from two of the three divisions that make up the Municipality equally distributing the sample size, 22 farmers were selected from each of the divisions in the study area and these were Ndejje and Masajja and responded to pre-designed questionnaires in an interview. Study findings show that more females are engaged in small-scale poultry production and marketing, age and formal education level are not limiting factors to participation. Most small-scale poultry producers reared chicken and they were kept under deep litter system. Low prices offered by consumers (36.4%) is the highest challenge faced by small-scale poultry producers whilst marketing their products, bad debtors (25%). Other challenges included; competition from other sellers (18.2%), high cost of transport and desire for dressed birds at low prices each contributing 15.9% among others. Most small-scale poultry producers sold their products at the farm gate (36.4%), referral networks (word of mouth) which contributed 20.5%, some small-scale poultry producers used sales personnels (18.2%), others take to the market (13.6%). Those that used adverts and car trunks were 2.3% each with the peak of selling period of 38.6% (Christmas period) however, the sales were found to be equally high throughout the year. Small-scale poultry farmers should engage in contract farming and this is a safer option that will reduce cancellation of orders and bad debtors that is frequenting.