ANALYSIS OF DEMAND FOR WATER AND ITS IMPACT ON BROILER PRODUCTION IN IMO STATE OF NIGERIA

Anyiam, Kelechi Henry and Igwe, Kelechi Chima and Amusa, Taofeeq Ade and Obinnanwandikom, Cynthia Onyinyechi and Enoch, Okoronkwo Christopher and Isaiah, Ime Godswill and Obasi, Akanele Chori and Okoro, Frank Nna and Iwezor-Magnus, Doris N. and Anene, Henry Uchenna and Nnorom, Emmanuel Iyke and Olumba, Ujunwa Miriam and Igwenagu, Manfred Obinwanne and Onu, Donatus Onwuha and Ozor, Maurice Uchechukwu (2026) ANALYSIS OF DEMAND FOR WATER AND ITS IMPACT ON BROILER PRODUCTION IN IMO STATE OF NIGERIA. Online Journal of Animal and Feed Research. 16 - 23. ISSN 22287701

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Abstract

This study analyzed the demand for water and its effect on the productivity of broiler production in Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the objectives were to A) estimating the determinants of water demand in broiler farms, B) examining the level of water consumption relative to recommended standards, C) evaluating the productivity of broiler farmers, and D) identifying constraints to water access. Primary data were collected from 120 broiler farmers using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics, the broiler water consumption ratio (BWCR), productivity index, and multiple regression models. Results showed that the exponential functional form was the best fit, with an R² of 0.684, indicating that 68.4 of the variation in water demand was explained by farm and bird characteristics. Age of birds (P < 0.05), stock size (P < 0.01), and bird weight (P < 0.10) significantly influenced water demand. Based on the BWCR, 43.3 of broilers consumed water below optimal levels, 25.0 consumed excessively, and only 31.7 were within the recommended range. Farmers demonstrated high productivity with a ratio of 3.30, suggesting efficient input use; however, sustainability is threatened by persistent water constraints. The most pressing challenges were limited access to water distributors (18.5), scarcity (15.0), contamination (13.0), high fuel costs (13.0), and climate change (13.0). The findings underscore the need for policy interventions to strengthen rural water infrastructure, promote solar-powered pumping systems, and improve extension services on water-use efficiency. Addressing these issues will enhance both the productivity and resilience of broiler production in water-scarce environments. © The Author(s) 2026

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Broiler productivity; Nigeria; Poultry requirements; Water consumption ratio; Water demand
Subjects:	S Agriculture > SF Animal culture
Divisions:	Online Journal of Animal and Feed Research (OJAFR)
Page Range:	16 - 23
Journal or Publication Title:	Online Journal of Animal and Feed Research
Journal Index:	Scopus
Volume:	16
Number:	1
Publisher:	Scienceline Publications, Ltd
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2026.3
ISSN:	22287701
Depositing User:	Dr. Saeid Chekani-Azar
URI:	https://eprints.science-line.com/id/eprint/1786

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