Chicken meat and eggs are the best source of quality protein, and are badly needed by the many millions of people who live in poverty. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and South Asia malnutrition (poor nutrition) and under nutrition (inadequate nutrition) are closely associated with poverty. These conditions affect the immune system. The HIV/AIDS epidemic sweeping through countries in SSA stems partly from extreme poverty and, with it, poor nutrition.

Wide variation in consumption of poultry meat and eggs: Stunting and wasting in children under five years of age, and slow mental development were seen mainly in rural areas of SSA. Eight out of ten of those affected were among the poor. Diseases such as kwashiorkor and marasmus, both seen in underweight children, are associated with inadequate dietary energy and protein. Pregnant and lactating women and young children are particularly vulnerable.

Advantages of chicken meat and eggs compared to other animal proteins: In developing countries, the diet of people living in cities usually contains more animal protein than that of rural people, mainly because urban people are more prosperous, but also because they generally have access to a wider variety of foods at local markets. In low-income countries, commercially produced chicken meat is well placed to satisfy the demands of a rapidly increasing affluent, middle class who can afford to pay for broiler chickens. Facilities and infrastructure for producing broiler chickens can be established quickly and soon start generating. Not only is chicken meat seen as a healthy meat, but it is also the cheapest of all livestock meats. A major advantage of eggs and poultry meat as human food is that there are no major taboos on their consumption. The role of poultry in human nutrition cheaply and in small numbers. One egg is almost a meal in itself and when hard-boiled will last for several weeks. It can be taken to school safely by children for lunch.

Conclusions: Poultry has a major role to play in developing countries. Produce is relatively inexpensive and widely available. Semi-scavenging backyard indigenous poultry are extremely important in providing income and high-quality protein in the diets of rural people whose traditional foods are typically rich in carbohydrate but low in protein. The vexed question of the cholesterol content of eggs and human health seems to have been exaggerated.

Regards,
Angelina Matthew,

Journal Coordinator,

Global Journal of Agricultural Economics and Econometrics
Email ID: gjaee@scholarlynote.com