Some characteristics of village poultry production and consumers’ approach to village poultry products: A Case Study in Turkey

AKSOY T., Yurt Z.

23 th European Poultry Congress, France, 1 - 04 August 2010, vol.1, pp.295, (Full Text)

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
  • Volume: 1
  • Country: France
  • Page Numbers: pp.295
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Despite advanced commercial sector in Turkey, village poultry (VP) also exists because of the large rural population (30%). This study aimed to determine some characteristics of the VP production in Canakkale province, Turkey. The tendencies of consumers towards to VP products were also examined. VP survey was carried out with 122 housewives in 12 villages which were classified as poor, medium, and rich according to their agricultural potentials. Moreover, 100 women consumers were surveyed in 2 supermarkets in the city centre. It was determined that only 15.6% of the households were not involved in VP in this relatively prosperous province placed in western Turkey. The main reason for keeping poultry was egg production. Approximately 70% of the producers did not sell product, the others sold limited amounts of egg. The proportion of selling poultry products was the highest in the rich village group (χ2= 16.32, P<0.001). About one-third of the poultry farmers opined that they would increase poultry production if the relevant institutions provided support. The ratio of households who declared their willingness to increase production for selling was the highest in the poor group (χ2= 19.66, P<0.001). The proportions of consumer survey participants who considered village chickens’ eggs and meat as more nutritious than commercial farms’ products were 82 and 76%, respectively.  We conclude that a part of village chicken production can be converted into the niche sector because of strong willingness for VP production and consumption, and the large rural population of the country. 

Key Words: Village poultry, production, village income level, Canakkale, consumer tendency, niche sector