October 18, 2013

Despite the effects of climate change such as the adverse rise in temperatures, Uganda's poultry and livestock production increased by 3.2% last year.

The increase means many people in the country have turned to poultry and livestock rearing to create a revenue stream. This increase is expected to save the country billions of shillings that fly out annually on importation of chicken and eggs, especially from Brazil and South Africa.

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics 2013 Statistical Abstract indicates that the number of cattle in the country has been on a steady increase from 12.10 million in 2010, to 12.46 million in 2011 before increasing to 12.84 million last year.

On the other hand, sheep increased from 3.62 million to 3.73 million and to 3.84 million in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. The number of goats also increased to 14.01 million last year, from 13.60 the previous year and 13.20 in 2010.

The report attributed the increased animal and poultry production to the steady effort to control animal diseases and improvement in livestock production systems buoyed by routine livestock extension interventions.

In 2012, pigs increased to 3.58 million from 3.48 million in 2011 and 3.37 million the year before while poultry increased from 42.76 million birds in 2010 to 44.30 million in 2011 and 45.90 million last year.

The improvement also resulted in an increment in milk production to 1,461 million litres last year, indicting a 43 million litres increment from 1,418 million litres in 2011.

Last year, beef production also increased to 191,280 tonnes, from 2011's 185,709 tonnes, indicating a 3% increment. Egg production rose to 27,057 tonnes (807,634 eggs) compared to 26,269 tonnes (784,111 eggs) recorded in 2011.