For many people, Christmas is a time of joy, family gatherings, and delicious meals. Tables are
filled with jollof rice, fried chicken, and other special foods. But for a smallholder poultry farmer
in Nigeria, Christmas is not just a celebration—it is a season of hard work and opportunity.
“Christmas is our busiest time of the year,” says Mark Okereke, a smallholder poultry farmer in
Kaduna. “Demand for chicken skyrockets as families prepare for the festivities. Customers troop
into the farms, eager to buy fresh, healthy birds.”
This busy season does not start in December. Farmers begin preparing months earlier. They
plan how to raise chickens that are big, healthy, and ready to sell. They adjust feeding
schedules, give vaccines, and make sure the chicken houses are clean and safe from diseases
and bad weather.
As Christmas gets closer, life on the farm gets even busier. Farmers wake up early and sleep
late. They feed and clean the birds, choose the ones ready for sale, talk to buyers, and arrange
transportation. The work is hard, but each sale is a reward for months of effort and care.
The Emotional Connection
For smallholder poultry farmers, raising chickens is more than just a way to make money. It is
personal. Farmers spend months caring for their chickens—feeding them, keeping them safe,
and ensuring they grow healthy. Each bird is a result of hard work and dedication.
Selling chickens during Christmas can feel bittersweet. On one hand, it brings joy and income,
knowing the chickens will be part of someone’s special celebration. On the other hand, it can be
emotional to say goodbye to birds they have nurtured for so long. This mix of feelings shows the
deep connection farmers have with their work.
Challenges Behind the Scenes
Even though farmers sell more chickens at Christmas, they also face many problems. For
example, the price of chicken feed goes up during this time, making it harder to make a profit.
Farmers also have to compete with big poultry companies that sell chickens at lower prices.
The harmattan season makes things harder, too. The cold weather can stress chickens and make
them sick. Small farmers with fewer resources must find creative ways to keep their birds
healthy during this time.
Despite these challenges, many farmers feel proud. They know their hard work helps people
they sell to enjoy fresh, good-quality chicken during these festive periods.
A Time for Gratitude
As Christmas carols play becomes the stret music and decorations fill every shop corner,
farmers can take a moment to be thankful. They think about the families who will eat the
chickens they raised. This thought gives them joy and makes all their effort feel worthwhile.
Some farmers celebrate in small ways—sharing a meal with their families, buying christmas
gifts for their children or sitting quietly in the evening after a long day, watching their chickens
rest. These moments remind them why they work so hard.
Looking Ahead
When Christmas is over, farmers start planning for the next season. They think about what they
learned this year and how they can do even better.
For the Nigerian poultry farmer, Christmas is more than a holiday. It shows their hard work, their
love for what they do, and their role in feeding the nation.
So, as you enjoy your Christmas
chicken this year, remember the farmers who made it possible. To them, Christmas is not just
about selling chickens—it is about giving, caring, and helping you fulfil your ideal christmas meal
dream.
Cheers to the chicken farmer!
