Transforming Poultry Farming in Rural Communities

Poultry farming is crucial for the livelihoods of rural communities in Africa and Southeast Asia, providing vital nutrition and income. However, this important subsector faces significant challenges, including limited investment, high mortality rates among young birds, and a perception of poultry farming as merely a hobby.

Introducing the Tropical Poultry Genetics Solutions Project

The Tropical Poultry Genetics Solutions (TPGS) project, spearheaded by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), aims to reshape rural engagement with poultry farming. By developing improved local chicken breeds, TPGS aspires to enhance nutrition, promote entrepreneurship, and foster economic inclusion. Launched in August 2022 and scheduled to run until July 2025, this initiative is active in nine countries across Africa and Southeast Asia.

Building on Past Success

The groundwork for TPGS was laid by the Africa Chicken Genetic Gains (ACGG) project, which tested and introduced high-producing chicken strains in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania. While these strains significantly improved productivity, there was a recognized need for locally adapted solutions.

Genetic Innovation and Community Impact

TPGS emphasizes genetic innovation, striving to deliver chickens that can thrive in challenging conditions. Improved dual-purpose breeds, crafted for both meat and egg production, have shown promising results in field trials across Ethiopia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, and Cambodia. At the ILRI Poultry Facility in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, researchers are pushing the boundaries of poultry science.

Wondmeneh Esatu, ILRI scientist, noted, “We are seeing a target of 1.5 kg body weight at 16 weeks being surpassed as chickens reach 1.6 kg by week 12. This is achieved with significantly less feed than what smallholders typically use, alongside exceeding our egg production goals.”

Empowering Women and Improving Nutrition

Understanding that poultry farming predominantly involves women, TPGS is heavily focused on women’s empowerment. Enhancing chicken meat and egg consumption is essential for improving nutrition, especially for vulnerable groups like children under five and pregnant women. The project incorporates nutritional education for farmers, equipping them with knowledge that directly impacts their dietary practices.

Through monthly nutrition sessions and customized mobile applications, TPGS delivers valuable information in local languages, reinforcing the importance of maternal nutrition and the critical first 1,000 days following childbirth.

Home-Grown School Feeding Initiative

Furthermore, TPGS launched a transformative ‘Home Grown School Feeding Program’ in collaboration with regional agricultural research institutes. This initiative promotes daily egg consumption at schools, enhancing students’ nutritional status while establishing sustainable poultry farms within educational institutions.

According to Alemayehu Elias, a representative from the Hawela District Education Bureau, “The program has positively impacted students’ health, attendance, and academic performance, paving the way for expansion into more schools.”

Sustainable Solutions for the Future

TPGS also endeavors to partner with governments, private sectors, and research institutions to ensure the sustainability and scalability of its solutions. By integrating innovations into national strategies, TPGS aims to strengthen food systems and improve incomes for rural communities.

Conclusion: A Poultry Revolution

The impact of TPGS transcends the mere distribution of chickens; it is about transforming lives. From mothers enriching their families’ diets to students thriving in school, TPGS demonstrates the power of integrating science and community efforts to uplift rural livelihoods.

Acknowledgements

This initiative is supported by the Gates Foundation and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

Source: ILRI