In a remarkable success story, Hadijah Bony, a farmer from Majanji Sub-county in Busia District, Uganda, has transformed 100 chicks into a thriving poultry enterprise of 3,000 layer hens. This venture has not only generated substantial revenue but also become a beacon of hope for residents in fishing communities, encouraging them to diversify their income sources. Bony's journey began with the government's "Mwena Mugagawale" initiative, which she combined with her acquired poultry-rearing skills.
Bony's business has reached impressive heights, with a monthly revenue of approximately 13 million shillings and a net income of around six million shillings. Her success has attracted attention from local leaders, who see poultry farming as a viable means of increasing household incomes and building financial independence. The project has also inspired residents to explore alternative sources of income beyond fishing.
Barbra Nekesa Oundo, National Treasurer of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, visited Bony's farm to encourage residents to adopt poultry farming and other income-generating activities. Nekesa emphasized the importance of having multiple sources of income to achieve financial stability and urged residents to leverage government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) to invest in income-generating projects.
Nekesa highlighted poultry farming as an enterprise that can produce returns relatively quickly when properly managed. She encouraged residents to take advantage of such opportunities to meet their needs without relying heavily on others. Her remarks resonated with the audience, who are eager to explore new avenues for economic empowerment.
However, poultry farmers in the region face challenges, including rising operational costs. Samson Wanyama Wafula, a poultry farmer, noted that the high cost of feeds, medicines, and vaccines is forcing some farmers out of business. He appealed to the government to support farmers with hatchery machines to increase the production of layer chicks, which are scarce in the region.
Despite the challenges, Kasim Namudia, another farmer, described poultry farming as a relatively easy enterprise for farmers who give it adequate attention, particularly in feeding and disease management. Namudia's sentiments were echoed by other farmers, who believe that increased access to affordable feeds, vaccines, medicines, and local hatchery services would help more households venture into poultry farming.
The success of Bony's poultry farm has sparked hope for communities whose livelihoods are closely tied to fishing. Farmers believe that diversification into enterprises like poultry could provide an additional source of income and greater economic security. As the government continues to promote initiatives like the "Mwena Mugagawale" and PDM, residents are optimistic about exploring new opportunities for economic growth and development.
Key points
- A Ugandan farmer has grown a small poultry project into a large enterprise, providing a significant income and inspiring others to diversify.
- The business has reached impressive heights, with a monthly revenue of approximately 13 million shillings and a net income of around six million shillings.
- Poultry farmers in the region face challenges, including rising operational costs, but remain optimistic about exploring new opportunities for economic growth and development.
