ISSN 2348-1218 (print) International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations ISSN 2348-1226 (online) Vol. 9, Issue 2, pp: (66-70), Month: April - June 2021, Available at: www.researchpublish.com
Examining the realities of poultry farming technologies as enablers to smart farming in lira city, mid-north Uganda 1 1
Peter Ebong, 2David Mwesigwa
MA student, Discipline of Public Administration and Management, Lira University, Uganda
2
Senior lecturer, Discipline of Public Administration and Management, Lira University, Uganda
Abstract: This study aimed to examine the realities of poultry farming technologies as enablers of smart farming in Lira city. A descriptive design was adopted targeting one poultry farm in the city of Lira and data were collected using observation, discussions and in-depth interviews. The outcomes were analysed using thematic analysis and findings suggest that the four major aspects were identified in this study, namely; the major characteristics of the artificial incubator selected or preferred by the farmer, the eggs incubation and hatching processes, feeding and growth process for the chickens, and marketing processes have a reliable potential in enhancing smart farming among urban farmers in Lira city and beyond. However, there are threats arising out of chicken diseases, which result into deep loses on the side of a farmer and have disappointed many a poultry farmer in the city. These outcomes may be used as empirical resources for the Lira city authorities to develop a clear strategy for poultry farming as well as safety measures aimed to mitigate poultry diseases for higher profit. The study is a positive contribution to the knowledge and dynamics involved in poultry but also as a pathway to attaining one of the global targets of smart farming. Keywords: Poultry, incubator, feeding, chicken, incubation.
1. INTRODUCTION Following a field visit to any smart farming practices. A visit to Gift Poultry Farm, located in Anyangapuc Village, Ngetta Ginnery parish, Lira City East Division revealed that local chicken farming is being commercialized. Reportedly domesticated around 5,000 BC in Southeast Asia, chicken is globally kept and as of 2018, with the introduction and use of modern solar-powered, electricity-powered or fuel powered incubators, the number of chickens increased to about 23.7 billion. In sub-Sahara Africa, and Uganda (which had about 1,274 incubators as of 2014), most farmers still hold-on to the traditional reproduction of chicks as opposed to using incubator. The GQF Thermal Air Hova-Bator was preferred by Gift poultry Farm due to its economical and efficient benefits. This motivated the student because the technology is used for the production of local chicken and its products. Through discussion, interview and observation, the student was able to cover specific aspects of this incubator that included its features; the eggs incubation and hatching processes; feeding and growth process for the chicks; and marketing processes. The outcome of these aspects were found to be major: that this type of incubator which has a temperature and humidity regulator needs to be placed in a dark room without open windows in order to control light; and that it is able to incubate and hatch between 150-200 chicks and any one round of hatchery period. Generally, it was established that chicken reproduction cycle takes a minimum of 21 days when the eggs can begin to hatch. To ensure that the eggs are fertilized, Gift Poultry Farm management ensures that the egg-laying hens mix freely with cocks. The farm attendants collect 60-100 eggs every morning and evenings to be placed in the incubator which is pre-set fully to ascertain that it is ready for the eggs by ensuring that temperature is regulated a range of 99-100 degrees F. In the incubator, eggs are turned frequently between 4-17 days and thereafter locked completely until they are hatched. After hatching, chicks are transferred to the
Page | 66 Research Publish Journals