Better Feeds, Stronger Flocks, Brighter Future
In the small community of Ndege Ndimu, poultry farming is more than just a livelihood, it’s a way of life. For many local farmers, this vital occupation was fraught with challenges, particularly when it came to mixing poultry feed. Limited knowledge about proper feed formulation and a lack of equipment meant that 90% of the farmers were using hand mixing methods. This method fell short of meeting the nutritional needs of their poultry, leading to poor growth rates, diseases, and significant economic losses.
Amid these challenges, a ray of hope emerged through Amani Phase 8, a community-based organization dedicated to enhancing poultry farming in Ndege Ndimu, Nakuru East Sub-county.
Established with a mission to boost production efficiency and profitability, the CBO’s members toiled tirelessly, manually mixing poultry feed despite the inconsistencies in quality and the high labor costs. This labor-intensive process hampered their productivity and prevented them from scaling up operations to meet the increasing demand for poultry products in Nakuru.
The turning point came through an intervention by Hand in Hand EA. The organization facilitated the acquisition of a feed mixer and hammer mill for Amani Phase 8. This new equipment was nothing short of transformative. With the ability to produce their own feed, the CBO members drastically reduced their reliance on expensive commercial feeds by purchasing raw materials in bulk and processing them on-site.
Mechanizing the feed preparation process revolutionized their operations. Larger quantities of feed could now be produced in a fraction of the time, allowing farmers to focus on other aspects of poultry management and significantly increasing the size of their flocks. The feed mixer also ensured precise and consistent blending of ingredients, providing the poultry with a balanced diet. Healthier birds meant better growth rates and higher production.
As a result, the profitability of the CBO’s operations soared. Members witnessed a rise in their incomes, which translated to improved living standards and the capacity to reinvest in their farms. The success of Amani Phase 8 had a ripple effect on the wider community. They began supplying affordable and nutritious poultry products locally, setting an example for other farmers and groups in the region.
Looking ahead, Amani Phase 8 has ambitious plans to expand further. They aim to diversify into other areas of poultry farming and venture into value-added products like processed poultry meat.