STATUS OF POULTRY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

he total poultry population in Ethiopia is estimated to be 56.5 million (ILCA, 1993). Despite the fact that 99 A of the poultry population in Ethiopia consists of local birds (Alamargot, 1987) their contribution to farm household and national incomes is no in proportion to the high numbers. f , Rural poultry production represents a significant part of national economy in general and the rural economy m particular. This segment of production represents an asset value of US S 5.73 billion in Africa as a whole (Sonaiya, 1990). A number of authors, including Veluw (1987), Sonaiya (1990) and Gunaratne et al (1992), have outlined that rural poultry play a significant role through their contribution to the cultural and social life of rural people For a belter understanding of the role played by pou try in the lives of rural people, it is necessary to know exactly the purposes f o r which households keep poultry.