A Comprehensive Analysis of the Broiler Poultry Industry in Maimana: Challenges, Opportunities, and Development Pathways

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the broiler poultry industry in Maymana city, Afghanistan, aiming to identify its potentials, challenges, and propose strategies for sustainable development. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study collected quantitative and qualitative data from all 17 active broiler farms in the city through direct observation, interviews, and questionnaires. The findings reveal significant challenges hindering the industry's potential. Key issues include a critically high mortality rate of 15.4%, far exceeding the global standard of 5%, and dilapidated infrastructure, with 40% of farms deemed structurally unsuitable. Consequently, annual production is suboptimal at approximately 193,000 birds, failing to meet local demand. Despite these weaknesses, the industry possesses significant opportunities, including strong regional demand for poultry meat, availability of suitable land, and high potential for job creation. The study concludes that the Maimana broiler industry is at a critical juncture. A transition towards sustainability requires an integrated strategy focusing on modernizing infrastructure, enhancing technical expertise through training, and developing a local value chain to reduce import dependency. Such coordinated efforts are essential to harness the industry's potential for economic growth and food security in the region.