REPUBLIC OF KENYA MINISTRY OF LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT Sessional Paper No. 2 of 2010 on National Poultry Policy OCTOBER, 2010
Table of Contents List of Acronyms... iii Foreward... iv Executive Summary... v Chapter One... 1 1.0 Introduction and Background... 1 1.1 Introduction... 1 1.2 Demand and Supply Trends... 2 1.3 Poultry Improvement Initiatives... 2 1.4 Contribution of poultry to the economy... 3 1.5 Stakeholders in the Poultry Industry... 4 1.6 Poultry Production Systems... 4 1.6.1 Free range production system... 4 1.6.2 Semi intensive production system... 5 1.6.3 Commercial intensive system... 5 Chapter Two... 6 2.0 Policy Rationale and Objectives... 6 2.1 Rationale... 6 2.2 Policy Objectives... 6 Chapter Three... 7 3.0 Policy Content... 7 3.1 Breeds and Breeding... 7 3.2 Poultry Production and Management of Inputs... 8 3.2.1 Feeds and feeding... 8 3.2.2 Feed quality standards... 8 3.2.3 Poultry housing and equipment... 9 3.3 Poultry Production Systems... 9 3.4 Poultry Diseases... 10 3.5 Marketing and Value Addition... 11 3.6 Information System... 12 3.7 Cross-Cutting Issues... 13 3.7.1 HIV/AIDS and other human diseases... 13 3.7.2 Gender and Culture... 13 3.7.3 Environment... 14 3.7.4 Animal Welfare... 14 3.8 Institutional and Legal Framework... 14 3.8.1 Legal framework... 14 3.8.2 Private Institutions... 15 3.8.3 Research, Training and Development... 15 3.9 Financing the Industry... 16 3.9.1 Public financing... 16 3.9.2 Private financing... 16 3.10 Monitoring and Evaluation... 16 pg ii
List of Acronyms CBOs DVS DLP ERS GDP KARI KEPOFA KEBS MDGs MOLD MT NGOs NLP PRSP SRA WTO NPDP ASALs HPAI KACE NAFIS GMOs ICT WHO DOC NCD Community Based Organizations Director of Veterinary Services Director of Livestock Production Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth and Employment Creation Gross Domestic Products Kenya Agricultural Research Institute Kenya Poultry farmers Association Kenya Bureau of Standards Millennium Development Goals Ministry of Livestock Development Metric Tonnes Non-Governmental Organization National Livestock Policy Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper Strategy for Revitalizing Agriculture World Trade Organization National Poultry Development Programme Arid and semi-arid lands Highly pathogenic avian influenza Kenya Agricultural Commodity Exchange National Agricultural Farmers Information System Genetically Modified Organisms Information Communication Technology World Health Organization Day Old Chick New Castle Disease iii
Foreword This policy document is a result of various consultations among stakeholders convened to develop a National Poultry policy. It addresses the challenges and shortcomings arising from practices in poultry industry. This document is consistent with the current government strategies as stipulated in the Kenya Vision 2030 and the Agricultural Sector Development Strategy (ASDS). It is also developed within the framework of the Sessional Paper No. 2 of 2008 on National Livestock Policy that recognizes poultry production as a key sub-sector in the livestock sector. The National Poultry Policy 2009 addresses the need to create mechanisms that will ensure that the current poultry production is increased and sustained through improving the following; nutrition, feeding, breeding of local poultry, poultry disease control and biosafety and better marketing infrastructure. In addition, this policy will promote value addition, enhance research as well as address various cross cutting issues that impact on the industry. This policy recognizes the potential of poultry to improve rural livelihoods and proposes options for increased contribution to economic development. It is envisaged that the content in this policy document will revitalize the poultry industry, guarantee its sustainability and contribute to the economic and social pillar of Vision 2030. Hon. Dr. Mohamed Kuti, EGH, MP Minister for Livestock Development iv
Executive Summary The overall objective of the National Poultry Policy is to enhance the contribution of the poultry industry towards food security and employment creation in the country. The Poultry industry in Kenya has, over the years, progressed to be become one of the most important livestock enterprises particularly in the rural areas where over 70% of the country s population live and derive their livelihood. There are numerous species of poultry with the domestic chicken being the most important comprsing of 98% while species such as ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons, ostriches, guinea fowls, and quails constitute 2% of the estimated population of 30 million birds. The industry is an important source of food, income and employment. It is an integral source of livelihood to over 80% of the rural households. Moreover, poultry has many social and cultural uses in addition to having linkages with other sectors of the economy that include feeds industry, hotel industry, and input suppliers. However, due to limited data on the linkages, the true value of poultry industry s contribution to the entire economy is not known, but is likely to be higher than the estimated figures. There is increasing demand of poultry products due to urbanization and increasing human population. This demand may not be met due to the underlying constraints. The potential of poultry to increase household incomes, create employment and ensure food and nutrition security can only be realized if improved strategies and modern technologies are put in place in a holistic manner involving all the poultry chain players. This is what the National Poultry policy aims to achieve and is consistent with the social and economic pillar of vision 2030. Despite the immense contribution and potential, this industry has continued to be constrained by various challenges such as loss of genetic diversity and low productivity in indigenous chicken, fluctuations in production and demand levels, poor marketing infrastructure, diseases, inadequate research and development. In improving production, this policy addresses issues that will enhance production of quality feeds, improve housing, management and breeding of local poultry and enhance disease control. Measures will be undertaken to address research and extension needs since currently they are inadequate. To address Marketing and value addition challenges, v
the policy will facilitate development of market infrastructure, address the cost of poultry value addition especially equipment and technology and promote processing in order to enhance safety regulation mechanisms for high quality poultry products. The policy also addresses cross cutting issues such as environment, gender, and HIV/ Aids as well as the issues of industry financing. vi
Chapter One 1.0 Introduction and Background 1.1 Introduction The term poultry refers to domesticated birds kept for meat, eggs and feather production. Poultry production in Kenya is undertaken in many ways including utilizing different sets of resources, in a wide spectrum of social cultural and economic conditions. The main poultry species kept include chicken, ducks, guinea fowls, turkeys, pigeons, quails, and ostriches of which chicken dominate the industry. The industry comprises of the much larger subsistence indigenous poultry and the fast growing commercial broiler and layer production. Indigenous chicken are predominantly found in the rural areas where they play a key role in enhancing household food security. Here, consumers prefer indigenous chicken and eggs; making it difficult for development of the commercial hybrids in such areas. Poultry is one of the most important livestock enterprises in the rural households where over 70% (24 million) of the country s population live and derive their livelihood. Kenya has an estimated poultry population of 29 million birds, with chicken forming the largest proportion. Of these 75% consist of indigenous chicken, layers 8 %, breeding stock 1 % and broilers 14%. Other poultry species like ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons, ostriches, guinea fowls, and quails make up 2 % of the poultry population The distribution of poultry in each Province in Kenya is presented in Table 1. Table 1: Provincial Poultry distribution in Kenya Province Indigenous Broilers Layers Others Total Nyanza 5,682,740 96,570 230,920 46,840 6,057,070 Rift Valley 5,622,500 257,790 437,140 128,090 6,445,520 Eastern 3,864,760 112,640 164,950 22860 4,165,210 Western 2,644,150 17,770 113,110 236,430 3,011,460 Central 1,967,180 1,437,270 1,084,950 49,070 4,538,470 Coast 1,947,060 637,320 230,000 94,240 2,908,620 N/ Eastern 165,000 200 300-165,500 Nairobi 141,400 1,607,800 188,100 10000 1,947,300 Total 22,034,790 4,167,360 2,449,470 587,530 29,239,150 (Source: Animal Production Annual Reports-2006) 1
While indigenous chicken are mainly found in rural areas, broilers and layers are kept in urban and peri-urban areas. Emerging poultry such as ostriches and guinea fowls are mainly found in Arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). 1.2 Demand and Supply Trends The production and demand for poultry meat and eggs as shown in the National Development Plan for 2004 to 2008 has remained constant over time with the production levels meeting the demand needs despite the seasonal fluctuations. Therefore, the country can be said to be self sufficient in poultry meat and eggs production. However, the country s per capita poultry meat and eggs consumption stands at 0.65 kg and 36 respectively, which is way below the WHO poultry meat and eggs consumption requirement. It is therefore anticipated that there will be an increase in effective demand of poultry meat and eggs as a result of a shift in consumer preference from red to white meat as incomes and health consciousness improve. Poultry and poultry products are perceived to be costly compared to other animal products. Production and demand for poultry meat and eggs is shown Table 2. Table 2: Poultry meat and eggs demand and supply trends 2001 2002 2004 2006 2008 Poultry Meat Production 21,540 22,078 23,196 24,371 25,694 (Tons) Demand 21,315 21,869 23,253 24,253 25,570 Eggs (million) Production 1,040 1,071 1,136 1,205 1,278 Demand 1,013 1,041 1,010 1,070 1,138 Source: National Development Plan- 2004-2008 1.3 Poultry Improvement Initiatives The initial poultry development approaches in the country were private sector led; either by individuals or companies. The advent of colonialism was accompanied by the introduction of exotic poultry breeds by white settlers. In the post-independent Kenya, extension services were introduced. However, these services were characterized by limited poultry extension technical knowledge and insufficient funding. 1.3.1 The National Poultry Development Programme (NPDP), which started in 1976 and ended in 1994, was aimed at increasing the production and consumption of poultry meat and eggs among a large number of subsistence households, at low cost. This was under the cockerel and pullet exchange programme. However, the programme experienced a 2
number of challenges, among them conflicting donor interests, low off-spring fertility, hindrances from traditional practices which impeded adoption rates of the improved breed and associated extension messages. Furthermore, the introduced breed had low adaptability. The Lessons learnt from this programme include; the need for institutional participatory approach and a focus on the entire poultry value chain. Despite these shortcomings, the programme successively expanded poultry extension services, trained extension officers on poultry and carried out research. In an attempt to address some of the challenges experienced in the NPDP, a National Livestock Development Policy (LDP) was formulated in 1980. The policy recommended, among others, the provision of a poultry credit scheme, and the establishment of a national poultry advisory body. However, this policy lacked an implementation framework for the interventions. Poultry development initiatives were also addressed in various macro-economic policy blueprints, such as PRSP, ERS, SRA and Vision 2030. The Vision 2030 identifies poultry and poultry products as an important source of food security and wealth creation. These blueprints are general in nature and do not adequately and directly address poultry development, necessitating a comprehensive poultry policy. 1.4 Contribution of poultry to the economy The livestock sub-sector contributes 7.9-10% GDP to the Kenyan economy. Out of the Agricultural GDP, which is 25% of the national GDP, poultry industry contributes about 1.7 %. The industry creates employment directly and indirectly and is also an important source of food. In 2008, the estimated poultry meat was 25,694 metric tons with indigenous poultry producing 11,400Mts, broilers 6,300Mts, and culls from hybrid layers 900Mts. This was valued at Ksh 3.52 billion. The production of eggs was 1.22 billion valued at Ksh.9.7 billion. Indigenous chicken produced 570,000 million eggs while exotic layers produced 650,000 million eggs. The day old chicks produced were 12.2 million broilers and 2.3 million layers valued at Ksh. 610 million and Ksh.184 million respectively. It is estimated that 400,000 MT of compounded feeds are produced annually, out of which 70% are poultry feeds. 3
The poultry industry feeds over 80% of the rural households in addition to its numerous social and cultural uses that makes it even more popular. The industry has linkages with other sectors of the economy, such as feeds manufactures, hotel industry, and input suppliers. However, due to lack of adequate data on the linkages, the true value of the poultry industry contribution to the entire economy is usually under-estimated. Despite the immense contribution and potential, this industry has continued to be constrained by various challenges; the main ones being high input costs, inconsistency of feed quality, diseases, inefficiencies at farm level and weak producers organizations. 1.5 Stakeholders in the Poultry Industry Poultry industry is dynamic and involves many players. The main stakeholders include farmers, known as producers, marketing and research organizations, processors, public/private extension agents, breeders, traders, consumers and service and input providers. Given the diversity of interests that these players represent, there is need to enhance, harmonize and coordinate their roles. 1.6 Poultry Production Systems Poultry production in Kenya is classified into three production systems based on scale, functions, breeds, husbandry and productivity. These systems are commercial intensive, semi intensive or backyard and the free range or village poultry production systems. 1.6.1 Free range production system In this system, the chicken are left to gather their food in the open. The system is broadly divided into two sub-systems namely mixed farming system that includes both crop and poultry production and rearing of improved breeds and crosses. This system comprises 75% of the total poultry production in the country. It is also described as village or backyard, where birds are kept under a free ranging system, with unselected breeding; flocks of various ages and mixed species with minimal supplementation. Flock sizes range between 5-30 indigenous chicken mainly owned by women and children. However, there are farmers with up to 500 chickens. In this system, management standards and bio-security levels are low and the output is targeted for the rural markets. The reliance of this sector on input and service providers is minimal. Although income from sales is usually low, it plays an important role as a source of protein in rural households, with potential for commercialization. 4
1.6.2 Semi intensive production system This is the interface between the free-range system and commercial intensive system. It is an improved free-range system which is common both in the rural, urban and Peri-urban areas. In this system, birds are partly confined and partly left to scavenge. The system mainly, utilizes Indigenous breeds and their crosses with exotic breeds. Flock sizes range from 30 to 200. 1.6.3 Commercial intensive system This system is divided into small medium scale and large scale/integrated systems The small medium commercial systems These are generally characterized by exclusive confinement of specialized high producing hybrids, which are fully fed on concentrate feeds. The system is highly commercialized; capital and labor intensive with presence of disease control regimes in varying levels. Flock sizes may range from 200-5,000. Production farms are located in urban, peri-urban and rural areas. Commercial integrated production system The large scale/integrated systems are large-scale commercial production systems characterized by moderate to high bio-security levels. Birds, which may include parent stock and grandparent stocks, are reared intensively. Flock size range from and number 5,000-15,000 for large-scale farmers with integrated systems rearing flocks of up to 100,000 although these are very few. The system may be integrated with feed milling, processing and franchising. 5
Chapter Two 2.0 Policy Rationale and Objectives 2.1 Rationale Poultry, no doubt, plays an important role in rural livelihoods, food security and employment creation but the industry has been operating without a specific policy. Attempts were first made to promote the industry under the then Ministry of Agriculture in the 1950s. Subsequently, other interventions on poultry improvement were spelt out in other policies, and recently the National Livestock Policy of 2008. The industry has potential and can play a strategic role in line with the on-going socio-economic reforms as stipulated in key policy documents such as the Kenya Vision 2030, Agriculture Sector Development Strategy, National Livestock Policy and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). However, the industry is constrained by challenges, such as loss of genetic diversity, low productivity in indigenous chicken, fluctuations in production and demand levels, poor marketing infrastructure, diseases, inadequate research and development. It is recognized that the industry has the potential to generate higher incomes and transform living standards of its players if appropriate interventions are developed and implemented. 2.2 Policy Objectives The main objective of the policy is to enhance the contribution of the poultry industry towards food security and employment creation in the country. Specific Objectives The specific objectives of the National Poultry Policy are to:- (i) (ii) (iii) Enhance poultry production and productivity. Facilitate timely detection, diagnosis, treatment and control of poultry diseases. Promote competitiveness of the poultry industry locally, regionally and internationally and; (iv) Promote value addition and marketing of poultry and poultry products. 6
Chapter Three 3.0 Policy Content The policy content will address breeds and breeding, production systems, poultry diseases, inputs, marketing and value addition, research and development, information system, cross cutting issues, industry financing, legal framework and monitoring and evaluation. 3.1 Breeds and Breeding 3.1.1 Kenya has both exotic and indigenous poultry. Although indigenous poultry contribute immensely to meeting nutritional and financial needs of the rural households, they have not received commensurate attention, such as adequate characterization and conservation. Breeding programmes and selection for traits of economic importance have been inconsistent. The upgrading of indigenous chicken was initially promoted through programmes such as cockerel and pullet exchange in the National Poultry Development Programme (NPDP) in mid 1980s. Despite its success in capacity building, production constraints such as low offspring performance, conflict with traditional practices and low adoption rates impeded its full objectives. In this regard, the government will undertake and promote characterization and conservation of indigenous poultry and develop appropriate breeds based on traits of socio-economic importance and support any laid regulations and legislations that enhance the conservation of indigenous chicken genetic pool. 3.1.2 The commercial sector relies on imported parent stock, whose availability is subject to prevailing bio-security levels from countries of origin. Shortages in the supply of dayold chicks (DOCs) occasionally occur in the country. When they occur, it is attributed to inadequate hatching capacity, fluctuating demand and supply of poultry products, oscillations in pricing and uncertainties in the market. Further, although legislation and regulations on setting up and managing hatcheries/breeding farms exist, their enforcement is weak. Utilization and management of emerging poultry such as ducks, ostriches, guinea fowl and quails need to be addressed. The importation process is lengthy and bureaucratic and involves many players. To address the shortages in the supply of day-old chicks, the Government will encourage existing/upcoming hatcheries with conducive business environment, the necessary infrastructure and bio-security measures. The government will enhance capacity of authorities mandated to 7
approve importation of poultry and poultry products, enforce laid down regulations and legislation, and reduce time taken to process the importation documents. 3.2 Poultry Production and Management of Inputs The performance of poultry enterprises depend on quality and availability of inputs and management. The key inputs at farm level include extension services, feeds, drugs, vaccines, and equipment. 3.2.1 Feeds and feeding Feed costs make up to over 70% of the total operational cost in a poultry enterprise with energy and proteins as the main components that constitute poultry feeds. The main source of energy is grains, such as maize, which is also human food. Exotic poultry production depend on compounded commercial feeds while indigenous birds are mostly reared under free range system, where they scavenge for feed with minimal supplementation. Often, the producers assume that these indigenous chickens receive adequate feed to meet their needs. This contributes to high mortalities and poor performance. The high cost of commercial feeds coupled with inadequate quality control of both raw materials and compounded feeds adversely affects the production cost and ultimately profits from the enterprise. High costs of feeds are attributed to inadequate supply and high cost of feed ingredients. In this regard, the government will encourage and facilitate growing of alternative sources of energy and protein for the poultry industry to meet local demand. In addition, where necessary sourcing of suitable raw materials will be encouraged, taking into account other government policies (such as on GMOs). The Government will also encourage and facilitate competitive sourcing of imported raw materials while at the same time putting in place regulatory measures to control adulteration of raw materials and compounded feeds. The government and stakeholders will facilitate the development of cost-effective and suitable formulation of feeds for indigenous chicken and emerging poultry using alternative local resources. 3.2.2 Feed quality standards Feed millers in the country lack adequate internal capacity to monitor quality of both raw materials and compounded feeds, which are offered to the market. 8
The government in collaboration with stakeholders will facilitate regular review and use of certified feed additives such as myco-toxin binders, growth promoters, enzymes and acidifiers to enhance the quality of feeds available locally. It will also encourage self-regulation of feed milling industry through the relevant associations and organizations, as provided for by the relevant livestock feeds legislations. 3.2.3 Poultry housing and equipment Standards of locally produced and imported equipments and housing are not set and therefore no enforcement of any procedures. In this regard, the government will promote the development and adoption of appropriate poultry equipment and housing standards. 3.3 Poultry Production Systems There are three main production systems, namely extensive system for free-range, Semi intensive, referred to as backyard and intensive system that is highly commercial. In these production systems, the critical issues are housing, feeding, bio-security, disease control, management, equipment, marketing and environmental concerns. 3.3.1 Under free-range system, the productivity from the indigenous flocks is low and there is lack of commercial orientation, but with appropriate interventions, high levels of productivity can be attained. Some socio-cultural practices such as raising poultry in close proximity with human dwellings expose them to zoonotic diseases. In this regard, the government together with stakeholders will promote supplementary feeding, through commercial feed production and on-farm feed formulation. In addition, appropriate housing technologies as dictated by local raw materials and prevailing climatic conditions will be promoted. Measures to facilitate adequate sanitation and address environmental concerns for poultry will also be instituted. The government will also enhance the capacity of the animal health workers, extension staff and farmers on breeding, disease control and other aspects of management, and promote commercialization of indigenous poultry. 3.3.2 The Intensive commercial production systems ranging from small-scale production (200 to 1,000) to large scale production (over 100,000) are mainly practiced in urban and peri-urban areas. The main challenges are high cost of feeds, disease outbreaks, marketing, waste disposal and inadequate access to financial services. The current urban laws also prohibit keeping of livestock including poultry. However, food demands and production 9
indicate that urban agriculture contribute substantially to food supply in urban centers, hence modalities should be explored to accommodate these developments. In this regard, the government will build capacity of producers in better management practices, promote and improve market infrastructure, facilitate initiatives that address high cost, poor quality compounded feeds and the raw materials. The Government will address challenges from poultry waste disposal and management. A review of poultry production systems and relevant regulatory provisions to reflect prevailing socio-economic circumstances including consideration for financing will also be undertaken. 3.4 Poultry Diseases 3.4.1 Disease control and prevention are important for the viability and sustainability of the poultry industry. They affect productivity and impact negatively on local and international trade. The most devastating diseases are Newcastle disease (NCD), pullorum/bacillary white diarrhorea (fowl typhoid) and Marek s disease (fowl paralysis). These diseases cause high mortality and morbidity rates causing economic and sociocultural losses. Other diseases that constrain poultry production are Gumboro and Coccidiocis among others. In addition, there are emerging diseases, like the highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which pose economic and public health challenges. The response to outbreaks of poultry diseases has not been as efficient as in other livestock species. Other challenges facing, prevention and control of poultry diseases in the country are inadequate capacity in, public awareness, disease surveillance, inspectorate and quality assurance, human, financial and physical capacity to enhance performance of the department mandated to carry out disease control and inadequate compensation mechanisms following culling for disease control by the Government. In order to address these challenges, the government in collaboration with other stakeholders will take the necessary steps to allocate adequate funds and enhance capacity of the ministry in-charge of livestock development to control these diseases. The government together with stakeholders will also improve response mechanisms while addressing knowledge and information gaps on both notifiable and other diseases. The government will also review current compensation mechanisms. 3.4.2 The Veterinary Department is currently mandated under Cap 364, (and other acts) to control animal diseases and pests. However, the existing legal and regulatory framework does not adequately address challenges in poultry diseases. Indeed some of the Acts do not respond to emerging challenges and inadequate enforcement of existing 10
rules and regulations on movement of poultry and poultry products both within the country and internationally. In order to address these shortcomings, the government will spearhead a review of all the relevant legal statutes to enhance harmonization and remove any overlaps of the various legislative statutes affecting poultry health. In addition, it will enhance the capacity of the department mandated to carry out disease control to deliver adequate animal health services to the poultry industry. 3.4.3 Vaccines, Drugs and Bio-safety The poultry industry relies on retail outlets for the supply of pharmaceutical products such as vaccines, hygiene products and curative drugs. Quality control measures have declined due to weak enforcement of regulations. The production, importation, distribution and utilization of these inputs is inefficient. In this regard, the government will enhance regulatory mechanisms and vigilance for importation, production, distribution and utilization. The government will also facilitate an efficient cold chain system and alternative vaccines e.g. thermo-stable to ensure good quality and effective vaccine delivery system. In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, the government will address capacity needs, such as training (including use of indigenous knowledge), equipment, financing among others, of all service providers. 3.5 Marketing and Value Addition 3.5.1 Poultry marketing is currently largely done by the small-scale farmers and the private sector with government offering regulatory services. However, the current marketing system is limited by various challenges such as lack of reliable market information, inadequate product differentiation, seasonality of poultry products, fluctuations in prices, and poor infrastructure to support marketing of poultry products. There has been the development of middlemen who exploit poultry producers by offering low and fluctuating prices not based on defined product standards. The poor market prices result in poor market access by the producers. Currently, the poultry marketing is constrained by poor transport facilities, bio-safety issues, and lack of slaughter and storage facilities. In this regard, the government will initiate the development of an effective poultry marketing information system and promote the strengthening of poultry farmer associations to improve on the marketing efficiency. In addition, the ministry in-charge of livestock will ensure strict adherence to the legal requirements as far as marketing infrastructure is concerned and promote the formation and strengthening of various producer associations to act as their marketing agents. 11
3.5.2 The international market for Kenyan poultry and poultry products is in the East African region and other neighboring countries. The imports for poultry production include; parent stock, fertile eggs, feed ingredients, drugs, sera, vaccines, equipments, and semen. The international markets have been constrained by various challenges such as Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS), traceability and quality issues. To address the challenges in the international trade, the government in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, will ensure that export and imports of poultry and poultry products meet the OIE standards. The government will also seek to classify poultry and poultry products as special products under World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements. 3.5.3 Value addition The current government policies put emphasize on value addition, which is key to improving income in any enterprise. Currently, there is limited value addition in the poultry industry. The main products from poultry farming are live birds, meat, and eggs. The by-products include feathers, skins, bones, manure and shells. There is need for these products to be value added. Lack of value addition is mainly attributed to; inadequate knowledge, skills and high cost of technologies. To address these challenges, the government through Public Private Partnership will facilitate the setting-up of strategic processing facilities that meet local, regional and international Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary (SPS) standards and encourage stakeholders in the industry to embrace value addition and promote skills enhancement. Poultry value addition will be emphasized as part of the government s efforts towards the realization of the country s industrialization drive. 3.6 Information System An information system is a mechanism through which knowledge and messages are conveyed from various sources to the end user(s). Over the years, there has been much emphasis on the traditional methods (pamphlets, flyers and mass media) of data collection and information dissemination. However new systems and technologies have necessitated the need for new approaches. In this regard, the influence of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) cannot be over emphasized. The current approach of National Agricultural Farmers Information Systems (NAFIS) and Livestock Marketing Information System (LMIS) are limited in scope ignoring other important livestock species and the reach to the wider public. In addition, there are other private sector 12
initiatives such as Kenya Agricultural Commodity Exchange (KACE,) which play an important role in information dissemination. Towards this, there is need to create stronger linkages between the private and public sector institutions to harmonize, what information package is delivered to the end users. On many occasions data and statistics of poultry in the country is based on estimates. In this regard, the Government in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders will put in place regular data and information collection and management system. Further, it will encourage establishment of strong and legally recognized sector associations to facilitate exchange of data and information between stakeholders and promote private public sector partnership. The use of ICT to pass information will be promoted across the value chain. 3.7 Cross-Cutting Issues 3.7.1 HIV/AIDS and other human diseases The prevailing HIV/AIDS pandemic and other diseases have negative social and economic implications on poultry producers, extension service providers and the traders through loss of productivity and diversion of income. Given the nutritional value of poultry products, low labor requirements, relatively low capital investment and relative ease of sale of poultry and poultry products, it is a viable source of food and income to a larger portion of the population for the infected and affected. The Government in collaboration with other stakeholders will mainstream HIV and Aids in its programmes and activities and will promote consumption of poultry and poultry products. 3.7.2 Gender and Culture The women and the youth mainly run small-scale poultry production systems. However; this category of producers has limited access to credit and often inadequate control of family resources. Moreover, some communities classify poultry as a mere bird and shun its production and consumption. To address this issue, an effective gender-sensitive approach in designing and implementing various interventions in poultry development initiatives will be developed, focusing on both equality and equity of outcomes. In this regard, the government in collaboration with stakeholders in both public and private sectors will develop gender sensitive programmes to enable women and youth access efficient production facilities such as credit, technology and market information. 13
3.7.3 Environment There is generally lack of awareness on existing environmental issues that affect poultry industry. Under free ranging poultry production systems, the birds are occasionally subjected to polluted environment and are therefore susceptible to the buildup of harmful residues. On the other hand, poultry droppings, waste from slaughterhouses and carcasses are potential environmental contaminants. In this regard, the government in collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders will enforce and continuously review the existing environmental laws, while encouraging good environmental practices. In addition, it will promote effective utilization of poultry by products. 3.7.4 Animal Welfare International markets demand that producers and other players through the value chain adhere to established standards in management and handling of poultry including traceability and bio-security. Many producers house their poultry in less than adequate housing facilities exposing the birds to poor hygiene and disease outbreaks. During transportation, at the markets, and during slaughter, the birds are not handled in a humane manner. The Government will facilitate the review, awareness creation and enforcement of the animal welfare regulations. 3.8 Institutional and Legal Framework 3.8.1 Legal framework The Department of Livestock Production is responsible for creating an enabling environment for optimizing poultry production while the Department of Veterinary Services is mandated to prevent, treat and control diseases, regulate the importation and exportation of poultry and poultry products. The linkages and coordination between and within the two departments is weak. There are various legal statutes that govern the poultry industry, some of which conflict or overlap. In addition, the current legal mandate does not recognize the Department of Livestock Production, which makes it vulnerable to changing institutional setup and makes it less effective to execute its mandate. These weaknesses in legal and institutional framework have been identified as major contributors to the challenges affecting the performance of the poultry industry. 14
There is need to strengthen linkages and partnerships with other public institutions such as universities, agricultural research institutions, agricultural training centers among others. In order to address the challenges and enhance service delivery in the poultry industry, roles will be harmonized and coordination of the departments institutionalized. Further, a review of the legal framework will be undertaken to reduce overlaps and make them more responsive to current and emerging challenges. A legal provision for the creation of the Department of Livestock Production will be made. Further, the Government will establish a stakeholder driven Poultry Development Board. Linkages between public institutions will be strengthened with the view of promoting the poultry industry. 3.8.2 Private Institutions Private institutions play a key role in the poultry industry. These include input suppliers, producer groups, financiers and NGOs. However, the operations of these organizations are not adequately harmonized and coordinated, resulting into multiplicity of functions and overlaps. In addition the producer associations need stronger human resource capacity, supportive infrastructure and appropriate extension messages. The government will promote public-private sector partnerships, harmonize and develop coordination mechanism. 3.8.3 Research, Training and Development Research is key to competition in the poultry industry. Poultry research is currently undertaken by KARI, which is not under the purview of the ministry responsible for poultry development. Other institutions, both local and international include universities and private institutions. Poultry research and technological development in the country is mainly funded by the government and development partners. Research is limited due to low funding and prioritization. Previously research was more donor-driven, with public contribution being minimal. In addition, there are inadequate research facilities, limited human resource capacity both in private and public sectors and poor coordination and sharing of the research findings between these institutions and the users. These challenges are compounded by the lack of a comprehensive master plan on poultry research. In order to give undivided attention to poultry research, the government will establish a Livestock Research Institute as provided for in the National Livestock Policy, 2008 and allocate adequate 15
financial and human resources. To overcome challenges in extension service delivery, the government will collaborate and strengthen linkages with other extension service providers to develop dynamic and comprehensive poultry extension packages and facilitate adoption of extension packages. It will also encourage investments in capacity building for extension service providers, extension clientele and relevant institutions. 3.9 Financing the Industry 3.9.1 Public financing Although a number of poultry development projects were previously financed in partnership with development partners, they have not been successful in achieving their set objectives and lacked financial support to sustain them after the end of project implementation period. However, given its high potential, the poultry industry should be considered as a vital sub-sector for increasing farmers incomes and contribution towards poverty alleviation. Increased funding to the poultry industry will contribute significantly to the realization of this goal. In this regard, Government will increase its budgetary allocations to poultry activities and facilitate investors in the entire poultry value chain. 3.9.2 Private financing Inadequate access to credit has limited the operations of the poultry producers especially the small-scale poultry producers and traders who lack collateral for loans. Some NGOs and CBOs have been trying to intervene through giving some credit to small-scale poultry farmers and traders. Mechanisms for providing affordable credit to both small and largescale poultry farmers need to be established in order to foster more development in the industry. Further, there is need for diversification of financial products currently on offer to include insurance and financial management plans. In this regard, the government will develop mechanisms of extending affordable credit facilities to both small and large-scale poultry farmers through the existing public finance institutions. The government will also encourage the private sector, the cooperative societies, farmer groups, the NGOs and the CBOs to advance more credit to poultry farmers. 3.10 Monitoring and Evaluation Regular monitoring of the performance and implementation of the policy is vital to ensure that the objectives set out are realized. However, this has not been effectively instituted within the poultry industry. This can be achieved by instituting an effective and well- 16
coordinated information management system that provides for information flow among stakeholders. Towards this, the Ministry in charge of livestock affairs will work closely with all stakeholders at all levels to ensure stronger coordination and harmonization of the activities undertaken by the development partners and the NGOs involved in poultry development. A participatory M&E system to monitor this policy will be established and institutionalized. 17