Agropreneurship Development in the Post COVID-19 Era; Challenges and Panacea: Views of Selected Small-Scale Poultry Farmers in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State, Nigeria, BY OKECHUKWU CHIDOLUO VITUS

 Introduction

Agropreneurship, also known as agricultural entrepreneurship, involves the development and implementation of innovative agricultural practices to create sustainable and profitable business ventures. In the post-COVID-19 era, agropreneurship has become increasingly important as the pandemic has disrupted traditional food supply chains and highlighted the need for resilient and sustainable food production systems. This essay will explore the challenges faced by small-scale poultry farmers in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State, Nigeria, as they navigate the post-COVID-19 landscape, and propose potential solutions to address these challenges.

Challenges Facing Small-Scale Poultry Farmers

Small-scale poultry farmers in Idemili North Local Government face a range of challenges that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the main challenges is the disruption of supply chains, which has made it difficult for farmers to access inputs such as feed, medicine, and equipment. This has led to increased production costs and reduced profitability for many farmers, making it difficult to sustain their operations.

Another challenge facing small-scale poultry farmers is the reduced demand for poultry products due to the economic impacts of the pandemic. With many consumers facing financial hardship, they are less likely to purchase poultry products, leading to a surplus in the market and lower prices for farmers. This has further eroded farmers' profitability and made it difficult for them to recoup their investment in their businesses.

Additionally, small-scale poultry farmers in Idemili North Local Government face challenges related to biosecurity and disease control. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness of the importance of biosecurity measures in preventing the spread of disease, but many farmers lack the knowledge and resources to implement effective biosecurity protocols on their farms. This has made their poultry flocks more vulnerable to disease outbreaks, leading to increased mortality rates and reduced productivity.

Panacea for Agropreneurship Development

To address these challenges and promote the development of agropreneurship in the post-COVID-19 era, small-scale poultry farmers in Idemili North Local Government can take several steps. One potential solution is to strengthen collaboration and coordination among farmers to collectively address common challenges such as accessing inputs and marketing their products. By pooling their resources and expertise, farmers can improve their bargaining power and negotiate better prices for inputs and products.

Another potential solution is to invest in training and capacity building for small-scale poultry farmers to improve their knowledge and skills in areas such as biosecurity, disease control, and business management. By equipping farmers with the tools they need to run successful and sustainable enterprises, they can improve their productivity and profitability and reduce their vulnerability to external shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, policymakers and government agencies can support the development of agropreneurship by providing incentives and support to small-scale poultry farmers, such as access to credit, market information, and extension services. By creating a conducive environment for agropreneurship to flourish, policymakers can help small-scale poultry farmers overcome the challenges they face and build resilient and sustainable businesses in the post-COVID-19 era.

Conclusion

In conclusion, small-scale poultry farmers in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State, Nigeria, face a range of challenges in the post-COVID-19 era that threaten the sustainability of their businesses. By addressing these challenges and implementing solutions such as strengthening collaboration among farmers, investing in training and capacity building, and providing policy support, small-scale poultry farmers can build resilient and profitable enterprises that contribute to food security, economic development, and sustainable agriculture in their communities. Agropreneurship development is essential in the post-COVID-19 era, and with the right support and commitment, small-scale poultry farmers can overcome the challenges they face and thrive in the new normal. 

References:

1. FAO. (2020). Agropreneurship: The pathway for youth employment in agriculture. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

2. IFPRI. (2021). Impacts of COVID-19 on agriculture, food security, and nutrition in Nigeria. International Food Policy Research Institute.