Indigenous knowledge and potential of termites as poultry feed in Burkina Faso

Abstract

The purpose of this study, carried out in eight regions in Burkina Faso, West Africa, was to assess the use and knowledge of termites in poultry nutrition in Burkina Faso and to analyse the factors influencing this use. Household surveys were conducted to collect data on the socio-demographic characteristics of poultry farmers and the use of termites in poultry feed. These surveys involved 1,100 farmers in 32 villages. Poultry farmers mostly raise chicken and guinea fowls and these two species are also those that receive termites as supplementary feed. 78% of the surveyed farmers use termites to feed their poultry, but the rate strongly varied among regions and provinces. Several reasons were given for not using termites, the most common being the unavailability of termites followed by the lack of time and not being aware of the technique. Farmers were aware of termite species they consider as toxic in feeding chicks. Understanding the link between the use and availability of termites in poultry nutrition in West Africa is an important step towards the improvement of poultry production.