Africa Gradually Moves Towards Market Orientated Production

The growth in poultry meat and egg production varied by region. Most growth occurred in northern countries, followed by the southern countries, with the least growth occurring in the middle African countries. The large increase in production over the past two decades was largely concentrated among a handful of countries.

Of the growth in production of chicken meat and eggs between 1990-2009, 82% is attributed to 10 countries. The five northern African countries were all included among the 10 countries with the most growth in production. This is attributed to "a comparatively high per capita consumption, a result of the taboo on pig meat, and a higher development status." Currently, South Africa is Africa's largest producer -- contributing to a quarter of all chicken meat production on the continent.

Although the area is growing in chicken meat and egg production, it remains at low levels when compared internationally. While the continent has 14% of the world's population, in 2009 it only produced 4-5% of the world's chicken meat and eggs.