ABSTRACT

The study examined the production of eggs in Abia State. It considered the operation of egg producers in egg production, the socio-economic factors affecting egg production, the economic returns from egg in the study area and the problems encountered by the farmers. A total of 65 respondents were randomly selected from three (3) L.G.A's in Abia State and interviewed using well-structured questionnaire and oral interview. Analysis was done using simple statistical tools like mean, percentages, Net farm income and regression analysis. Net farm income analysis was used to determine the economic returns of the enterprise, which was found to be profitable at a profit margin of N591, 624.7. Multiple regression analysis was adopted to analyze the impact of socio-economic factors on egg production and to estimate the production function for egg enterprise. Results showed that both socio-economic and input factors significantly affect output of eggs. The structure of the market that egg marketers operate approximated oligopolistic competition and the marketing channel was found to be decentralized marketing channel. Constraints in egg production identified included problems of finance, disease, transportation and high labour cost. It was recommended that Government 'should grant farmers credit facilities through banks and other financial institutions as well as provide extension services to farmers. Farmers should form themselves into co-operatives so as to obtain subsidies and to secure better marketing opportunities for their products. Conclusively, the prospect of egg production in the study area is certainly bright, If the recommendations made in this study are adopted and if policy makers, extension agent, Agricultural institutions and poultry farmers carryout their activities with hard work and vision, the economic situation of farmers stands to be enhanced while the industry will be salvaged.