AN ANALYSIS OF FACTORS THAT DETERMINES THE CHOICE OF INDIGENOUS CHICKEN (IC) OWNED BY RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN ALICE COMMUNAL AREA, SOUTH AFRICA

African indigenous chickens (IC) though commonly kept by households in rural areas for consumption and sale, their contribution to livelihoods is generally overlooked. Literature suggests that IC production plays a vital role communities of South Africa as an important source animal protein income. Despite these claimed benefits, Alice other parts Africa’s very low. This study used cross-sectional survey 120 who keep communal area. The multivariate probit model was employed investigate the factors determine choice chicken owned households. Results reveal that, gender, age, household size, association membership, access formal markets, veterinary services, informal credit, credit diversity score drive ownership different at level. Thus far, paper argues promotion level calls strategic institutional alignment clear understanding social demographic characteristics targeted community, which should be supported several awareness campaigns client based selection breeds socio-economic importance household.