Production systems, breeding objectives and selection schemes for indigenous chicken genetic resources in Kenya

The indigenous chicken (IC) (Gallus domesticus) is the most numerous species of poultry found in Kenya. They are present wherever there are human settlements and play significant roles in the livelihoods of the resource poor rural households. Their low productivity, however, has hindered their ability to improve the living standards of farmers and spur rural development. Previous attempts to improve their productivity through crossbreeding were unsuccessful. This was attributed to lack of understanding of their production environment, information on farmers’ and consumers’ needs and sustainable breeding programmes. These challenges require urgent mitigation measures to realize the potential of IC. This study provides the roadmap for implementation of a breeding programme for genetic improvement and conservation of IC. The programme should be holistic and account for the managerial and nutrition aspects of IC. Holistic improvement of IC would not only ensure food security, wealth creation and poverty reduction among the resource poor rural households and trigger rural development, but would also expand the narrow range of industrial chicken breeds/ecotypes.