The Status of Indigenous Chicken Genetic Resources: An Analysis of Farmers’ Perspectives and Implications for Breed Conservation Priorities in Zambia

Abstract

(1) Background: Indigenous chickens (Gallus domesticus) (ICs) are an essential component of agriculture and rural livelihood among 80% of small-scale farmers (SSFs) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, in the past decade, significant losses of Indigenous Chicken Animal Genetic Resources (IC-AnGR) resulting from poultry diseases, imported exotic breeds, poor market access, and uncontrolled crossbreeding have been reported. This study aimed to investigate the status of IC-AnGR and assess the major challenges affecting the production of ICs. (2) Methods: We surveyed 358 households in eastern, central, and southern livelihood zones, comprising 81.6% males and 17.6% females. (3) Results: Our study shows that respondents owned 16,112 ICs, 3026 goats, and 5183 herds of cattle. Overall, 77.4% of chicken breeds were ICs and 22.6% were exotic. Across the three zones, 18–44% reported the introduction or adoption of exotic breeds in the past decade, with most households sourcing breeding stock from local communities and family and friends at 45% and 28.6%, respectively. Farmers gave various reasons for adopting new chicken breeds, including fast growth (21.7%), larger mature sizes (21.7%), and resistance to diseases at 15.2%. Overall, 92.5% of farmers agreed or strongly agreed that some IC breeds disappeared in the past decade and nearly 90% were concerned. Some attributed the loss to poultry diseases. (4) Conclusion: Deliberate policies to promote the sustainable use and conservation of ICs are critical in Zambia.

Keywords

• animal genetic resources
• cultural heritage
• sustainable agriculture
• rural development
• conservation
• indigenous chicken