INDIGENOUS CHICKEN HUSBANDRY AND PRODUCTION PRACTICES BY SMALLHOLDER FARMERS ALONG THE THREE TOPOGRAPHIC ZONES OF KEIYO NORTH SUB-COUNTY, ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Improved indigenous chicken (IIC) farming is increasingly recognized as a sustainable agricultural enterprise with notable social, economic, and environmental benefits. It is considered a promising strategy for improving food and nutritional security, fostering gender inclusion, and reducing poverty in rural Kenya, particularly in counties such as Elgeyo Marakwet. Due to their adaptability, low input requirements, and cultural acceptability, IC are well-suited for smallholder farmers. However, market access for IC products remains fragmented and inconsistent. This study evaluated the accessibility of IC markets and adoption levels among smallholder farmers in Elgeyo Marakwet County, focusing on Keiyo North Sub-County across three topographic zones. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, targeting 816 farmers, of which 371 were sampled using stratified sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Findings revealed that 76% of respondents had access to breed information, and adoption was significantly influenced by education, gender, household size, and agriculture-based income. While most farmers practiced regular feeding, the high cost of commercial feeds (68.1%), disease burden, and limited veterinary access constrained productivity. Only 45% had direct contact with poultry buyers, and market prices varied significantly by location and season. PCA results demonstrated a strong relationship between market access and adoption of improved IC practices, highlighting the role of structured markets and extension services in enhancing uptake. Despite the potential of IC farming to boost household income, nutrition, and resilience to climate shocks, barriers such as unstructured markets, limited access to market information, and inadequate disease control reduce its effectiveness. The study recommends that county governments intensify extension outreach, support local feed formulation, improve veterinary services, and structure poultry markets to scale adoption and maximize the socio-economic benefits of improved indigenous chicken farming.