AN ASSESSMENT OF POULTRY POLICIES AND GUIDELINES AND STAKEHOLDER PRACTICES: EXPECTATION VS REALITY

Abstract

Bangladesh’s poultry sector has experienced significant expansion in the past few decades and certain policies have been created to offer instructions and directions to stakeholders (farmers, traders, feed dealers, animal health experts, and others involved in poultry production and distribution networks). However, the policies are not well known to many stakeholders and many of those who are aware of the regulations are not adhering to them. In this study, the present state of poultry farmers’ awareness of the selective policies was explored in seven upazilas (sub-districts) of Chattogram District. The aim was to provide an insight into the existing policies of poultry sector of Bangladesh and assess key stakeholders’ (especially medium-scale exotic broiler and Sonali farmers) knowledge and implementation of these policies. Firstly, a policy review was done on the Animal Disease Act-2005, Fish Feed and Animal Feed Act 2010, Animal Welfare Act-2019 and antimicrobial usage and antimicrobial resistance guidelines in National Drug Policy-2017. A total of 42 men farmers (four broiler and two Sonali farmers per upazila) and the respective Upazila Livestock Officers of the seven upazilas were interviewed in person (four) and via a voice over internet platform (three). A policy awareness program was implemented in eight upazilas incorporated with the farmers’ training program. Later, transcription of audio recordings was carried out, translated into English and thematic data analysis was performed. It was discovered that most farmers are unaware of farm registration. Lack of knowledge, a lack of supporting documents, farmers' reluctance to invest money were mentioned as factors to low rate of farm registration. Less than one-third of all farmers were aware of the Fish and Animal Feed Act. Farmers mentioned hearing that growth promoters, meat and bone meal, antimicrobials, and tannery waste were being added to the feed. 80% of farmers were not aware about the Animal Welfare Act. In a developing country like Bangladesh, ensuring animal welfare at the grassroot level is complex. Additionally, it was found that more than 50% of farmers were ignorant of the usage of antimicrobials and the development of antimicrobial resistance. In most cases, farmers only turn to veterinarians as a last resort. Farmers were unaware of the withdrawal period and banned drugs. Increasing awareness of the stakeholders by means of different creative tools and easy to understand guidelines is very important to improve policy compliance.