Witkrans residents learn about poultry farming

A group of 16 residents from the Witkrans settlement in the Hardap Region recently received training on poultry production as part of the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) poultry scheme project.

According to the FAO, the two-day training that was facilitated by agricultural extension personnel within the agriculture ministry in the Hardap Region sought to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to undertake poultry farming.

The FAO also donated 100 Lohmann Brown layers, chicken feed and medication to the Witkrans community in a bid to promote rural development and improve the diversification of rural livelihoods.

During the training, participants were taken through various key themes all aimed at ensuring the production of quality eggs and meat. Some of the topics covered include breed selection, sourcing of chicks, good husbandry practices, as well as management and marketing.

The participants also received practical training on good poultry farming hygiene practices, and health and safety.

“They [participants] were very keen on receiving the training and were taking notes and asking questions throughout, which is a sign that they have been thirsting for this kind of knowledge,” said Fabian Boys, the agriculture extension officer who led the training.

Food security

Christina Isaaks, a 46-year-old trainee and Witkrans resident, underscored that the support by FAO is positively contributing to the food and nutrition security situation in her community, in particular the local primary school.

“Because of this donation our children now have access to protein derived from the eggs, which ensures their overall good health and wellbeing,” said Isaaks.

According to the FAO, the primary school has close to 140 learners between the ages of 5 and 12, of whom the majority are from nearby commercial farms and villages where their parents work and reside.

“Most of the learners rely on the school’s hostel for their meals as their parents’ income is too low to meet all their food and nutrition needs,” said FAO national project coordinator Gift Kamupingene.

Apart from contributing to a protein-rich diet, the community’s poultry initiative also serves as a source of income for community members taking part in the project, according to FAO.

Protein power

The project generates most of its revenue from the sale of surplus eggs to community members and nearby settlements such as Stampriet

The ministry’s chief agriculturalscientific officer in Hardap Region, Johanna Amakali, says most inhabitants in rural settlements such as Witkrans are eager for similar support to come their way.

“Many communities are eager to adopt new ways to improve their food security situation and reduce poverty. A donation such as this goes a long way in removing the barrier to access resources so they can sustain themselves,” she said.

Cecil Peterson (25), a youth participant, noted how the training changed his perspective on poultry farming and acknowledged the potential it has to change his life for the better.

“I am now very eager to be actively involved in our community’s poultry initiative so I can gain enough skills and perhaps start my own poultry farm someday.”