agriculture 27 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Urges Farmers to Explore Profitable Non-Chicken Poultry Options
Agricultural experts are encouraging Ugandan farmers to diversify their poultry operations beyond chickens by raising turkeys, ducks, quails, and guinea fowl. These alternative birds are well-suited to local conditions and offer higher market prices, contributing to food security and household income. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/farming/farmers-encouraged-to-keep-non-chicken-birds-5510746
In a push to bolster food security and farmer incomes, agricultural authorities in Uganda are advocating for a significant shift in poultry farming. Experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), alongside international researchers, are encouraging farmers to explore the lucrative potential of non-chicken bird species.
This initiative aims to diversify protein sources and provide more profitable alternatives to traditional chicken rearing. Species such as turkeys, ducks, quails, and guinea fowls are highlighted as being well-adapted to Uganda’s climate and fetch premium prices in the market, offering a strong economic advantage for farmers.
A scientific book, developed with contributions from Canadian researchers, emphasizes the importance of these alternative poultry for sustainable farming systems and global food security. It reviews production methods, nutritional needs, welfare standards, and economic viability, presenting valuable insights for both academic and practical application.
MAAIF is actively supporting this diversification through specialized extension services and farmer training manuals. These resources provide guidance on housing, nutrition, disease control, and breeding specific to turkeys, guinea fowl, and ducks, stressing the importance of separating different poultry species to prevent disease transmission.
The move comes as Uganda’s significant poultry sector, supporting millions of households, faces scrutiny from animal rights organizations concerned about intensive farming practices. While some advocate for plant-based alternatives, the government’s focus on diversifying to species like turkeys and guinea fowl offers a direct avenue for farmers to improve livelihoods.
These alternative birds can offer substantial financial returns. For instance, turkeys can yield triple the income compared to chickens, and guinea fowl are noted for their lean meat and pest-control benefits, effectively consuming rodents.