Poultry farming and marketing
Small-scale poultry rearing is common in Kitui, Kenya. But farmers face challenges such as disease, and a lack of access to feed and drugs.
Farm Africa is working to establish poultry farming among smallholder farmers in Kitui county, eastern Kenya, where 60% of the population relies on government aid.
Small-scale poultry rearing is common, mainly by women and children, but they face challenges such as disease, and a lack of access to feed and drugs.
Three-quarters of Kitui's population live below the poverty line and over the past few years drought has badly affected food production.
We are working with 1,200 farmers, 60% of whom are women, to support a more commercial approach to poultry farming. The project will help women increase their household incomes to pay for better housing, and school and medical costs.
The farmers will:
- receive training in improved poultry-rearing techniques
- form a farmers’ association to establish strong and profitable market links
- buy and sell collectively through their association.
Poultry products also provide an important source of protein and iron for families that don’t have enough food to eat.
