LEVEL OF INVESTMENT AND FACTORS INFLUENCING THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

The investment level and factors influencing the poultry industry in southeastern Nigeria were analysed in this study. The sample was chosen using a multi-stage random sampling technique. The study used primary data collected from 135 poultry enterprises in southeastern Nigeria, consisting of 45 enterprises from Enugu State, 45 from Imo State, and 45 from Ebonyi State. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, such as frequency tables and percentages, as well as the Cobb Douglass multiple regression model. The findings indicate that the stocking of day-old chicks and the feeding of birds are the most demanding aspects of investment in poultry production for enterprises in southeastern Nigeria. There are also noticeable variations in the level of investment across the states in this region. In Enugu State, the level of investment in the poultry enterprise is significantly influenced by profitability coefficients, total expenditure requirements, business age, enterprise size, outstanding debt, and savings amount. In Imo State, the level of investment is significantly determined by profitability coefficients, total expenditure requirements, business age, enterprise size, outstanding debt, and savings amount. In Ebonyi State, the level of investment is significantly determined by profitability coefficients, total expenditure requirements, outstanding debt, enterprise location, and savings amount. Overall, the level of investment in poultry enterprise in the southeastern region of Nigeria is significantly determined by profitability coefficients2.896, total expenditure requirements3.951, enterprise size 3.554, outstanding debt, business stage2.323, enterprise location 3.460, and savings amount 3.264. The study recommends that it is important to consider these factors when formulating policies aimed at enhancing the level of investment in poultry production in the southeast region of Nigeria. This will make investment in the poultry industry profitable, support employment creation opportunities, and ensure chicken meat availability in the southeastern region of Nigeria, as well as in Nigeria as a whole.