Nigeria’s poultry industry, a cornerstone of national food security and economic growth, finds itself teetering on the brink due to a confluence of challenges. The escalating costs of poultry feed, fueled by a double whammy of climate change and disrupted supply chains, have created a vicious cycle that threatens producers and consumers.
Climate change has emerged as a major threat to Nigeria’s agricultural sector, particularly maize production, which forms the bedrock of poultry feed. Decades of rising temperatures and increasingly erratic rainfall patterns have wreaked havoc on maize yields. Data paints a grim picture – a near-imperceptible annual temperature rise of 0.0253°C might seem insignificant, but compounded over 30 years, it translates to a significant shift. Similarly, a seemingly small yearly decrease in rainfall of 0.58 mm translates to a substantial decline in water availability over time. These changes have resulted in significantly lower maize production, pushing up feed costs and squeezing the profit margins of poultry farmers.
Further complicating matters are the global supply chain disruptions, initially exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and further strained by ongoing geopolitical tensions. The pandemic’s ripple effects caused delays, port congestion, and a surge in shipping costs. This disrupted the flow of essential imported feed ingredients like soybean meal and vitamins, critical for balanced poultry nutrition. Additionally, trade policies like the ban on genetically modified maize in Nigeria further restrict access to alternative feed sources, exacerbating the situation.
The cumulative impact of these difficulties has proved catastrophic to the business. Production costs have risen dramatically, leaving farmers with decreasing profit margins. Faced with this hard reality, many companies have had to make painful decisions, such as downsizing or closing entirely. This corresponds to a decrease in poultry output, which raises the price of chicken and eggs, threatening food security, especially for low-income households who rely largely on these protein sources. The Poultry Association of Nigeria’s forecast that more than half of the country’s poultry farms would collapse by 2023 serves as a sharp reminder of the sector’s devastating scenario.
To navigate these turbulent waters, stakeholders are actively exploring alternative feed sources. Cassava, sweet potatoes, and even insect-based proteins are being investigated as potential solutions. Diversifying feed sources would reduce reliance on traditional maize and soy while also utilizing locally available resources, potentially creating a more sustainable and resilient system. Additionally, government interventions are crucial. Subsidies for feed ingredients, investments in agricultural research to develop climate-resistant maize varieties, and establishing strategic grain reserves to buffer against supply shocks are essential steps toward stabilizing feed prices and ensuring availability.
Long-term resilience demands a diversified strategy. Climate-smart agricultural methods, such as water-efficient irrigation and drought-resistant maize cultivars, must be promoted to alleviate the effects of climate change. Building a strong domestic supply chain infrastructure that can withstand foreign interruptions is also critical. Fostering public-private collaborations may spur innovation in fields such as alternative feed development and enhanced storage and transportation systems. Finally, empowering farmers via training programs and increasing access to financial services will provide them with the information and tools they require to not just survive but prosper in this hard climate. By applying these measures, Nigeria may secure the long-term viability of its chicken business, ensuring food security and economic progress for the country.
