- Ekiru Francis Anno
- Unicaf University (UUM), School of Doctoral Studies, Lilongwe, Malawi
This study sought to mobilise production and marketing components for an effective and profitable poultry marketing plan in Turkana through the objectives (i) evaluating poultry production and marketing factors in Turkana and comparable contexts, (ii) examining the strategic objectives of the poultry industry in Turkana and refugee settings, and (iii) identification of enablers and challenges within the poultry industry. The study employed an exploratory methodology, incorporating comprehensive secondary research to collect information on the poultry sector, including aspects of profitability, competitiveness, and sustainability. The study involved 132 participants, including poultry home farmers, poultry producer organisations, traders from Turkana and adjacent counties, as well as government and civil society officials engaged in livestock development. The study revealed that poultry farming and marketing operations in Turkana are limited and profoundly affected by numerous constraints of social, economic, political, technological, environmental, legal and policy nature. To enhance poultry farming in Turkana, it is essential to ensure a reliable supply of certified local feed within the required regulatory quality standards. Poultry production and commercialisation are hindered by financial limitations; yet, providing funding to poultry producers and entrepreneurs can yield a competitive advantage. Turkana’s poultry marketing strategy should enhance production and sales through direct acquisitions from local production units and aggregation centres. The diversification of poultry production and marketing depends on the optimisation of farm and market parameters, contract farming, and stable pricing. Strategic financial planning, biosecurity protocols, health evaluations, insurance optimisation, competitiveness oversight, technological advancements, and partner resilience can boost the performance and reliability of poultry ventures. The adoption of disease-resistant poultry breeds can diversify poultry enterprises and livelihoods, enhance nutrition, and augment income. An industrial analysis of the Turkana poultry sector is crucial for clarifying sector prospects and executing strategic initiatives. Poultry production, financing, marketing, operations management, human resources allocation, and innovation facilitators could be enhanced by further research.
