AFRICA – The World Poultry Foundation (WPF) has launched a new educational initiative aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of small-scale poultry farmers in Africa.
The program, which focuses on safe and cost-effective chicken housing, addresses a significant challenge faced by many farmers in the region: inadequate shelter for their flocks, which often leads to disease outbreaks, reduced productivity, and financial strain.
The newly introduced module provides comprehensive guidance on building low-cost, functional chicken houses.
The training material, designed to be accessible even to those with limited literacy skills, features instructional videos and infographics.
Key topics covered in the lesson include the importance of proper ventilation and lighting, best practices for keeping birds clean, and understanding the basic reasons for housing chickens.
One of the standout features of the module is its emphasis on practical, locally adapted solutions.
Farmers are encouraged to use materials that are readily available in their environment, such as repurposing existing structures or utilizing natural resources.
The training also offers creative ideas for constructing affordable, yet durable, chicken shelters that meet the needs of small-scale producers with limited budgets.
This initiative is part of the WPF’s broader efforts to support sustainable and inclusive growth within Africa’s poultry sector.
In 2022, Egypt held the largest poultry population in Africa with 300 million chickens, followed by Nigeria with 249 million.
Overall, the continent was home to approximately 2.4 billion live chickens, underscoring the significance of poultry farming for Africa’s agricultural industry.