Major Constraints and Opportunities of Poultry Production in Ethiopia: Review

Abstract

Poultry sector holds significant potential to contribute to income generation, food security, and employment opportunities; particularly it is the most significant livestock sub-sector for Ethiopia's rural populations. However, despite these potentials, the sector faces several challenges; diseases, shortage of feed, and predators are the majors. Disease often bottleneck due to lack of awareness about antibiotic and how to use antibiotic is becoming critical factor for high mortality rate. Poultry ingredients/feeds have been facing absence of availability, affordability and market competition with human food that decrease supply of feedstuff which may limit the future expansion poultry production and cost of feeds in the country. Despite the constraints, considerable opportunities are there in poultry production that enhances its investment and profitability in the country. The low investment costs, and small quantity of land needed, government initiative to create a conducive environment for foreign and local investors and improving legal frameworks and working procedures, export advantage to neighbors countries, good opportunity to invest in feed production, existence of different research institutions working on feeds and nutrition, health, genetic improvement and management practices that will support the expansion, production and productivity of poultry industry in Ethiopia are the major opportunities in the sector. By leveraging the available opportunities and addressing the challenges, Ethiopia can unlock the full potential of its poultry industry and enhance its contribution to national economic development and food security.