PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS OF HIRED LABOUR AND SELF-MANAGED FARMS IN POULTRY EGG PRODUCTION

ABSTRACT

This study examined the profitability of hired labour and self-managed farms in poultry egg production in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Proper design of a questionnaire was used to collect data needed to meet the objectives of the study. A survey of 73 poultry egg farmers, comprising 18 hired labour farms and 55 self-managed farms, was conducted. Data were collected on costs, revenues, and profitability indicators. Results show that hired labour farms had higher net profits (N14,200,093) compared to self-managed farms (NI,462,347). Hired labour farms also had a higher Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.59 mean value compared to 1.07 for self-managed farms. Expenditure Structure Ration (ERS) of 0.11 mean value equally, and Gross Ratio of 0.93 for self-managed farms and 0.63 Gross Ratio for hired labour. The study concludes that Hired labour farms are more profitable than self-managed farms in poultry egg production in the study area. Recommendations include encouraging farmers to adopt hired labour farms practices, government should provide subsidy for poultry feed and poultry egg farmers should also improve in their knowledge of poultry egg production.