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2.1 Poultry Production
Poultry production is a critical component of Uganda’s agricultural sector, significantly contributing to food security and improved human nutrition through the provision of high-quality protein sources such as meat and eggs (FAO, 2020). It serves as an essential complement to income generated from crop farming and other livestock ventures, thus reducing dependence on traditional agricultural commodities with unstable market values. Furthermore, poultry production has considerable potential to earn foreign exchange through the export of poultry products to neighboring countries (MAAIF, 2019).
Beyond economic benefits, poultry holds substantial cultural and social value in Uganda, particularly in ceremonies like dowries and festive celebrations. Although the poultry industry in Uganda is relatively young, there has been notable growth due to increased investment in livestock over the past two decades, which has led to a rise in the population of exotic breeds such as layers and broilers. However, this expansion has presented challenges, particularly the growing reliance on antibiotics to promote growth and manage diseases. This trend is driven by the need to meet both local and international demand for poultry products (Clarke, 2004; Gerber et al., 2007).
