This article shows results of a research project related to household poultry production carried out in the peasant communities of four northern municipalities of Departamento del Tolima (Colombia), to characterize backyard poultry production and small poultry farms. Information on poultry production, technological level, feeding systems, and consumption and contribution to household income was collected through identified farmer interviews. The main purpose of this production system is as food for the household. In 2006 55, 62 y 78 % of households of each group (C1,C2,C3, respectively) were raising poultry. Poultry feeding and nutrition practices, management, and presence of diseases were identified as the main limitations. Results suggest that backyard poultry and small poultry farms production systems contribute to the improvement of living standards of peasant households, especially those of women, and therefore should be included as a priority in the research agenda of institutions promoting research.