Poultry roadshow beyond expectations

THE roadshow the Poultry Producers Association (PPA) of Namibia held with Agribank and Feedmaster, among other partners, in northern Namibia from 24 to 27 May has been described a resounding success.

Held under the theme 'Sustainable Poultry Production is Vital for Food Security', the roadshow was aimed at capacitating poultry producers in the Oshikoto, Oshana, Ohangwena, and Omusati regions through information sharing to improve their productivity and profitability.

“It was a resounding success as some farmers did not know the importance of biosecurity or vaccination, and have always wondered why their chickens were dying in large numbers,” Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) agricultural economist Bertha Iyambo said yesterday.

The PPA is an affiliate of the NAU.

The roadshow sparked important momentum for the PPA by creating more awareness of the functions of the association among current and potential poultry producers.

It also increased poultry farmers' knowledge of Agribank's loan products.

PPA vice-president Erastus Kadhikwa said the roadshow exceeded their expectations.

“There was a general lack of knowledge, but now we know who is doing what and where, and we are producing a database to interact with the government to build an industry for ourselves, so we can consume our own products,” he said.

According to the PPA, the sector has seen tremendous growth over the past five years, increasing from an estimated N$536 million in 2016 to N$1,2 billion in 2021.

“This growth is largely due to the increase in the number of small to medium-sized poultry producers who have entered the sector,” Kadhikwa said.

He said the roadshow highlighted that young people are eager to participate in the sector, and they were already making investments in the sector.

He said the biggest challenge farmers are faced with is the ever-rising cost of chicken feed.

“This demoralises the new entrants to the sector as they will also be struggling to break even. As an association, we are having discussions with Feedmaster to have a special price or discount for these budding farmers,” Kadhikwa said.

“If the chickens do not get enough feed, they will either die or will not reach the required weight to be competitive on the market,” he said.

Iyambo said more than 500 participants attended the sessions at four venues, including governors Penda ya Ndakolo of the Oshikoto region and Erikki Endjala of the Omusati region, as well as Ongwediva mayor Taarah Shalyefu.

In 2020, the PPA approved a constitution that fosters inclusivity for all producers in the country, ranging from backyard producers to the largest commercial outlets.

Agribank used the roadshow to market its product loan portfolio – specifically poultry loans.

Bank officials also presented other loan products, like the no-collateral, women-and-youth loan, as well as the emerging retail financing product to the audience, mainly comprising women and the youth.

“The bank also answered various questions and clarified issues raised,” said Fillemon Nangonya, Agribank spokesperson.

Feedmaster representative Beatha Auala gave a presentation on different types of feed, as well as the importance of biosecurity and vaccination, while Michael Mulunga introduced the Sasso breed.

This is a dual-purpose breed that produces meat and eggs, thrives in harsh environments, and is resilient to disease.

“It offers great opportunities for backyard producers who are looking to start small, as well as experienced producers wishing to work with a new breed,” said Mulunga.

– email: matthew@namibian.com.na

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