Poultry farmers in Abia State have resolved to strengthen unity and information-sharing as a strategy to overcome the mounting challenges facing the sector.
This was the focus of a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Aba Road, Umuahia.
The meeting, which brought together poultry farm owners and industry players from Abia Central and Abia North Senatorial Zones, was convened by Innocent Amaegbe, with Ikechukwu Agbakuru serving as technical adviser, Sir Uzomba Ekwuribe as media adviser, and Adio Abayomi as secretary.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Chris Obasi, Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Abia State chapter, reflected on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on poultry businesses. He noted that several farmers were unable to withstand the economic disruptions caused by the outbreak, but expressed optimism that shared experiences and collective strategies would strengthen the industry.
“The essence of this meeting is to sit down and look at the challenges we face as farmers, and find ways to solve them ourselves. We know our problems better than outsiders, and together we can improve our practices, share experiences, and seek support from the right places,” Obasi said. He emphasized that unity remains a critical tool for achieving resilience, as farmers not only learn from one another but also find encouragement when challenges are shared.
In his remarks, media adviser Sir Uzomba Ekwuribe pledged continued support to ensure PAN remains strong while fostering closer ties between old and new members.
The meeting also reviewed past interventions, including efforts to curb illegal levies and extortion of poultry farmers. Participants underscored the importance of unrestricted information flow, urging members to extend membership drives to strengthen the association.
PAN, which represents stakeholders across the poultry value chain including feed millers, hatcheries, breeders, processors, and marketers, is recognized as the umbrella body for poultry farmers in Nigeria. The association was notably acknowledged during the federal government’s Anchor Borrowers Programme, where it played a role in mobilizing poultry farmers to access credit facilities.
The meeting highlights the continued struggles of Nigeria’s poultry sector, which remains a critical part of the nation’s food security and economy. With poultry farming serving as a major source of protein and livelihood for thousands of families, Abia farmers’ resolve to strengthen PAN could contribute to shaping policies, improving practices, and ensuring resilience in the face of economic uncertainties.
Stakeholders at the Umuahia meeting agreed that increased collaboration and communication would position the industry to attract greater institutional support and withstand economic shocks
