Integrating backyard poultry with horticulture: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Integrating backyard poultry with horticulture represents a sustainable and innovative approach to small-scale farming, offering a wide range of benefits, including enhanced soil fertility, natural pest control, diversified income streams, and improved food security. This review examines the synergistic relationship between backyard poultry and horticulture, emphasizing the ecological, economic, and social advantages of this integrated system. It also addresses potential challenges such as disease management, labour demands, and predation, while outlining best practices for successful implementation. By incorporating the latest research and case studies, this article provides a comprehensive guide for farmers, researchers, and policymakers aiming to optimize land use, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance livelihoods. The integration of these two systems not only supports sustainable agriculture but also contributes to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and rural development, making it a viable solution for addressing global food security challenges.