Assessment of the Prevalence of Different Local Chicken Phenotypes under the Community-Based Management System in Malawi

Using mixed qualitative methods, this study assessed the prevalence and productivity of different chicken phenotypes, farmer preferences and their drivers under a community-based management system. Data were collected from farmers, frontline agricultural extension agents and market traders in two Extension Planning Areas in Lilongwe district, Malawi. Study findings show that most sampled farmers owned one phenotype, while nearly half of the farmers owned different phenotypes of local chickens. The normal, fully feathered chickens, normally black with multicoloured-feather phenotype, were the most predominant among farmers and were preferred, followed by the spotted and grey chickens. Market dynamics were drivers of farmer preferences, as the most preferred phenotypes are those most demanded by consumers. Furthermore, there is much variation in key flock parameters, which provide a basis for improvement of chickens through genetic and management interventions. Conclusions are that the economic value attached to a specific phenotype influences the preference and prevalence of that phenotype. Genetic make-up and environmental diversity greatly affect the productive and reproductive performances of local chickens within community-based management systems. Development practitioners and breeders must, therefore, work collaboratively and consider both socio-economic and genetic parameters to improve local chicken productivity, while concurrently working to promote improved breeds.