Despite the common perception that commercial poultry farming is a male-dominated industry, women play a significant role in the sector, particularly at the household level.
Married women in Yobe State, one of the Boko Haram insurgency’s hotspots, are increasingly using chicken farming as a way to start over. For many, it has become a reliable source of income, helping to reduce poverty while enabling them to invest in other ventures that support their families.
Fanna Musa Isah, a trained health worker, told Daily Trust how she returned to school to sharpen her skills and pursue her passion for poultry farming.
“I have a diploma and a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health, but because of my passion for poultry farming, I gained admission into the Yobe State College of Agriculture in Damaturu to study poultry production.
“I started the business with ten birds after finishing the curriculum. I increased the number to 300 with patience and hard work, These include layers, broilers and noilers. I harvest about two crates of eggs daily and sell broilers after six weeks of rearing.
Findings by Daily Trust revealed that many women poultry farmers in the state operate from their backyards, often with little or no support from government or non-governmental organisations.
Fatima Mustapha began poultry farming in 2013 with just 10 chickens, but her journey was disrupted by insurgency. She and her husband were displaced by Boko Haram attacks and sought refuge in Bauchi State. Despite the setback, she remained resilient, “I started this business in 2013 with 10 birds, but after the attacks in Damaturu, my husband and I fled to Bauchi State. The birds died because no one was left to care for them as the town became deserted.
“I bought ten more birds and restarted the business after things got back to normal.” I currently rear over fifty birds, both broilers and noilers. “The noilers provide eggs, which I sell to support my family, relatives, and to cover feed and vaccination costs. The business has reduced my dependence on others,” she said.
Beyond personal income, successful poultry farmers in the state are strengthening their communities by encouraging more women to become self-reliant. This, in turn, is increasing their economic independence and decision-making power within their households.
Malama Aisha Musa, a veterinary doctor and poultry expert, told Daily Trust that she has trained more than 20 women over the past eight years.
“I started poultry farming about eight years ago after completing my National Youth Service Corps. I began with 10 to 20 birds and a small cage. Today, I have expanded to over 300 chickens.
“We want the government to support these women with capital and mentorship. This will boost their businesses and help reduce poverty—not only for the women directly involved but also within the wider community,” she said.
Another farmer, Malama Aisha Auwal, who was cleaning her poultry cage while awaiting a new batch of birds after selling out her stock during Ramadan and the Eid celebrations, said she produces up to four crates of eggs daily from about 150 birds.
God alone is aware of how lucrative this industry is. It is quite profitable, particularly if you possess the necessary knowledge and abilities. I have been raising layers, broilers, and noilers for more than 13 years, depending on the situation.
“I usually harvest three to four crates of eggs daily when weather conditions are favourable. During harsh weather, production drops to about one and a half crates. We can meet the demand for eggs and poultry meat in the market,” she said.
Halima Abdullahi Isa, a resident of Obasanjo Estate in Damaturu who has been rearing broilers for eight years, said government support is crucial for expansion.
“Although we have some capital, it is very small. We need government support to expand, build larger cages, and increase the number of birds we rear. “The government should also help connect us to reliable markets and buyers. Currently, some buyers do not pay market prices, and this affects our profits. We need access to better markets where we can sell our products at fair value,” she said.
These women have the potential to play a significant role in satisfying the state’s increasing need for eggs and chicken meat if they are given the proper institutional assistance, perseverance, and continuous dedication.
