# Local Chicken Breeds of Africa: Their Description, Uses and Conservation Methods

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the importance, challenges, and conservation efforts of local chicken breeds in Africa to support sustainable livelihoods.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of the description, uses, and conservation methods for African local chicken breeds.

## Key findings

- Local chickens are culturally and economically important but face extinction due to poor productivity and lack of conservation efforts.
- Efforts like the Food and Agriculture Organization's poultry conservation programme aim to protect indigenous breeds.
- Nutritional studies on local chickens have yielded inconsistent results, highlighting the need for further research.

## Abstract

In African countries, there has been little effort to conserve the local chicken breeds or lines. These chickens are hardy and provide a valuable protein source to rural households. Even though these chickens are resistant to disease, they are associated with low productivity. However, any improvement in the productivity of local chickens would require close attention to nutritional, breeding and health aspects. Therefore, the main purpose of this review is to provide a detailed understanding on description, uses and conservation methods of local chicken breeds of Africa. In conclusion, this review will highlight information for stakeholders to enable them to make informed decisions on local chicken breed diversification, conservation, and improved production through efficient management, breeding, and nutrition practices.

There has been a research gap in the genetic, physiological, and nutritional aspects of indigenous chickens of Africa over the past decade. These chickens are known to be economically, socially, and culturally important to the people of Africa, especially those from marginalised communities. Although they are associated with poor productivity in terms of the number of eggs laid, most consumers prefer their flavoursome meat. Several local chickens have been classified into breeds or ecotypes, but many remain unidentified and are facing extinction. To prevent this, the Food and Agriculture Organization has launched an indigenous poultry conservation programme. In addition, the Agricultural Research Council in South Africa has established a programme to protect four local chicken breeds. The purpose of this review is to provide a detailed understanding of the description, uses and conservation methods of local chicken breeds of Africa. Several studies have been conducted on the nutritional requirements of local chickens, but the results were inconclusive and contradictory. This review concludes that local chickens play a significant role in improving livelihoods, and strategies to preserve and sustain them must be intensified.