Kiambu: Poultry farmers from Kiambu County have benefitted from a four-week training programme on improving their farming practices in order to boost production. The training by Zetech University that attracted over 50 small and medium poultry keepers, emphasized professional husbandry on pest and disease control, best breeds, marketing and feeding, among other areas, in efforts to address the challenges that they face.
According to Kenya News Agency, the training came about due to the huge impact poultry farming has in the country in creating jobs as well as boosting food security. Zetech University Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Research and Student Affairs, Prof. Alice Njuguna, noted the importance of continuous skill enhancement through such training to ensure food security. 'This is why we need to continuously sharpen our skills through such training to boost production and ensure there is food security. Poultry is among the biggest sectors in agriculture that need to be supported through continuous skilling,' said Prof Njuguna.
Besides, the experts made field visits to gain practical insights into successful poultry farming and to help farmers address some of their challenges. The farmers, led by Gabriel Mwangangi, lauded the initiative, saying they now have the skills to boost their production and manage various challenges bedevilling the sector, specifically nutrition and pests and diseases. 'The biggest challenge in poultry farming is diseases that cause massive deaths of chickens, followed closely by feeding programmes. We now have some insight on market demands, poultry breeds and how to run a successful poultry enterprise,' said Mwangangi.
The University's Campus Director, Dr. Beauttah Mwangi, stated that they will enhance training for farmers to equip them with modern techniques and industry knowledge as a significant step towards strengthening the country's agricultural sector. 'Poultry farming is just one of the many training programmes we offer. In May, we will be launching another programme focused on leadership. With continued training and empowerment for the farmer, the country will move closer to agricultural self-sufficiency and increased productivity,' he said.
According to data from FAOSTAT (2020), which provides food and agriculture statistics, Kenya ranks among the top ten countries with the lowest per capita poultry meat consumption in Africa. Additionally, the country also ranks eighth in egg production, with Migori, Kakamega, and Kiambu counties leading in output. Such statistics highlight the potential for growth in the sector, necessitating continuous skilling and reskilling initiatives to promote sustainable poultry farming practices.