Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan Oyo state, Nigeria
Obayelu, A.E., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan Oyo state, Nigeria
The paper presents a theoretical and an empirical study of avian flu epidemic in Nigeria. A rapid assessment of the effects of avian flu outbreaks was conducted in May 2006 in kwara State. This was done by a structured interviewed schedule. Thirty Poultry farmers and 100 households were randomly selected for the interview. The results of the analysis showed that avian flu outbreaks and spread in Nigeria have caused serious threat not only to the poultry industry but also to food security and the livelihoods of both the rural and urban communities. The study revealed that there was a fall in consumers' and producers' confidence in poultry. About 75% of poultry farmers were also found to have stopped ordering for new birds to their farms preparing to leave poultry business for other jobs the moment they disposed the birds on their farms. About 80% of the sampled households were found to have stopped the purchase and consumption of poultry products in their households for the fear of being affected by the flu. In addition, prices of chicken and egg were negatively affected with supply outweighing demand. There was a shift of consumers' attentions to consumption of beef, pork, fish, and animal skin as substitute with a decrease in the Gross Domestic Product from agriculture, increase in unemployment rate, worsen health, poverty and malnutrition level. Poultry farmers should be encouraged, educated and assisted on the preventive measures. The farmers can be encouraged on the need for diversification since the outbreaks of the flu incidence mostly occur suddenly. Rearing of Grass cutters, cattle, rabbits and pigs, bee keeping, and snail farming as well as mushroom farming as means of livelihood should be encouraged. There must be extensive public enlightenments on the dangers of flu and how it can be overcome.