Flock Composition and Socio-economic Characteristics of Village Chicken Production System in Western Zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract A survey was conducted in Western Tigray, Northern Ethiopia to assess flock composition, ownership, and gender roles in chicken production and factors affecting chicken product consumption. Multi-stage sampling procedures were employed to select three districts, nine sample peasant associations, and 385 respondents. A pretested, structured questionnaire and focused group discussion were employed to generate data. All survey data were analyzed using SPSS software. Chicken flock size per household is significantly different among the three agro ecologies. The overall mean chicken flock size per household was 24. 35 ± 10. 69. The effective population size Ne and the rate of inbreeding (∆F) were 1263. 69, and 0.04, respectively. Chicken and egg consumption is influenced by cultural and religious festivals, farmer status, agroecology, breed, plumage colour, shank type, comb type, feather distribution, and age. In all agro ecologies, the average annual chicken and egg consumption per household was higher among large-scale farmers than among small-scale farmers. The average annual chicken consumption per household was 7.76 ± 0.68 and 20.79 ± 0.68 for small and large-scale farmers, respectively. Similarly, the average annual egg consumption was 67.52 ± 3.13 and 182.27 ± 3.13 for small and large-scale farmers, respectively. The ranking indices of consumption preferences according to plumage colours indicated uniform preferences for chicken plumage colours for consumption across the agro ecologies. Chickens with red (1st ), greyish (2nd ), and multicoloured (3rd ) plumage colours were the most preferred for consumption, while chickens with full white and black colours were used for mystical purposes in the study. Every family member participated in taking care of chickens, Even though the level of responsibility varied among family members. Husband and wife involved in decision-making of chicken product utilization even though their degrees of involvement varied across the three agro ecologies. Information on flock composition, factors affecting chicken product consumption, ownership, and gender roles are prerequisites for the design and implementation of successful chicken breeding strategies.