Assessment of Duck Production and Management in Wetland Communities of Bayelsa State

This study assesses duck production practices and the socioeconomic importance of duck farming in wetland communities of Bayelsa State, South South Nigeria. Duck farming is a traditional and culturally embedded livestock enterprise in the Niger Delta's wetland communities, uniquely suited to the aquatic environment and requiring minimal capital investment relative to conventional poultry farming. Despite its importance, duck production in Bayelsa State has received very limited research attention. This study uses a descriptive survey design, collecting data from 95 duck-keeping households in Southern Ijaw, Yenagoa, and Sagbama local government areas through structured interviews and farm observation. Duck breed types, flock sizes, management systems, feeding practices, reproduction rates, disease challenges, and household economic contributions are documented. Descriptive statistics and frequency analysis are applied. Findings reveal that Muscovy duck is the predominant species, managed in a completely extensive free-range system dependent on aquatic organisms, household waste, and riparian vegetation for feeding. Average flock size is 22 ducks per household. Egg production is erratic and used primarily for hatching rather than consumption. Duck sales during festive seasons provide important supplementary income averaging 48,000 naira per household per year. Disease challenges are relatively minor in extensive management, with wild duck contacts identified as a significant avian influenza risk. The study concludes that duck production is an important and under-supported livestock subsector in Bayelsa State wetland communities. It recommends a community duck production improvement programme with avian influenza surveillance integration.

Keywords: duck production, Muscovy duck, wetland communities, Bayelsa State, Niger Delta.