ABSTRACT

 The study examined the factors that affected poultry production and consumption in the bird flu scare year n Imo State of Nigeria. To fulfill the objective, a well-structured questionnaire was administered to poultry farmers at random in 3 agricultural zones in Imo State namely Okigwe, Owerri and Orlu. Data collection on the consumption of poultry products from these 3 agricultural zone spanned a four-month period of monthly schedules. In analyzing the data collected, a regression model was used for poultry production, and a consumption function was fitted to data for consumers of poultry products. The results gave indication is that there was a reduction in poultry production and consumption because of the bird flu. Experience, cost of production and education were significant determinants of poultry production in the avian flu scare year. Education and cost of production were significant at 1 percent level whereas experience was statistically significant at 5 percent level. Household size and price of the poultry products were significant at 1 percent level in determining consumption while education was significant at 10% level. All these signs of the factors conform to a priori expectation, except price of poultry products for the poultry consumers. In line with the findings, the research recommends that increased education and extension services should be improved upon, as this will help production and consumption of poultry products. Government's intervention through rapid assessment programme and special enlightenment campaign in events of any uncertainty in poultry production will make the sustained production activities.