Agro-Enterprise Development to Support Women Groups in Poultry Production and Marketing: A Case Study of Central River Region of the Gambia

In the Gambia, the agricultural sector contributes 33% to GDP, and 85% of the labor force are engaged in agricultural activities including crop and livestock production. The method of data collection for this research was non-probability using judgmental sampling. A total of nine organized women groups engaged in poultry production as income generating activity were interviewed face-to-face using structured questionnaire. The target respondents were 150 and out of the number 85% of the questionnaires were received. For data analysis simple descriptive statistical techniques like percentages, regression correlation, Chi-square, Kruskal Wallis H and Mann Whitney were used. Basically, the objectives of this research work are assessing the income level, training needs and problems of women poultry producers. In terms of age distribution result shows that, majority poultry producers were in the age group of 31 - 40 years (44.5%) and 20 - 30 years (24.2%). However, the result reveals agro-producers were in the age greater than 50 years (7.8%), meaning that, there are no age restrictions for women groups who want to start business. The research reveals that Boiram women group scored a total profit of US$ 1417 while the lowest profit of US$ 939 scored by Brikamaba respectively. The research finding proves that, the highest price offered for a broiler is US$ 5.79 while lowest price offered at US$ 3.84. Furthermore, 50% of the women respondents in the study site indicate group management and marketing skills as major training needs. Base on addressing the objectives of this research findings like assessing the income, training needs and problem solving we conclude that poultry production enterprise plays a meaningful role in poverty reduction, generate income, and create employment opportunities in improving the living standard of women and enhancing the growth of local economy.