Beyond Eggs: Building Resilience, Empowering Nigerian Women Through Climate-Smart Poultry Farming.

In Nigeria, many households led by women face significant challenges in providing for their families. These women often encounter barriers such as Insecurity, childcare responsibilities, lack of access to capacity development, and limited access to financial resources. Consequently, they struggle to make ends meet and ensure their children are well-nourished and healthy. Nigeria faces significant nutritional challenges and food insecurity, in which many children suffering from malnutrition, due to high level of poverty.

Poultry Farming in Nigeria

Poultry farming is an ideal solution small businesses solution for women as it is easy to manage, requires minimal resources, and offers a quick source of income. Poultry produce eggs and meat, which are excellent sources of protein and essential nutrients. This not only helps improve child nutrition but also reduces malnutrition and stunting. Additionally, women can sell surplus eggs and chickens in the local market, generating income to cover household needs like school fees, healthcare, and other essentials. This economic empowerment enables women to contribute more significantly to their families and communities.

Imagine a world where women in rural communities can uplift their families through their backyard farms! The Alliance for Sustainable Livestock is making this dream a reality with our “Climate-Smart Poultry Farming for Rural Women” project.

Why Climate-smart Poultry Farming?

One of the beneficiaries of this project is Madam Mariam, a woman living in one of our beneficiary communities. Madam Mariam has always struggled to provide for her family, but the start of the climate smart poultry project offered her a new opportunity.

Madam Mariam received training from our trained Veterinary Paraprofessionals who stepped down the climate smart poultry production practices training to women like Madam Mariam in their communities while also offering them services like livestock vaccination for a fee. She learned essential skills in poultry management, including maggot feed production, candling, record keeping and the importance of vaccination in poultry production. With this knowledge, she acquired chicks and necessary equipment to start her farm.

Through hard work and dedication, Madam Mariam has successfully grown her poultry farm. She now has a thriving business that not only supports her family but also enables her to provide her children with the minimal protein they require from eggs laid by her chickens. Madam Mariam’s story stands out as an example of how climate-smart poultry farming can transform lives.

Mariam’s sustainable chicken pen

Sustainable Development and Community Resilience

This project not only enhances individual livelihoods but also promotes sustainable agriculture and community resilience. By providing training in disease prevention and feed production, beneficiaries can maintain healthy flocks and maximize their profits. Additionally, the project addresses food security by increasing the availability of high-quality animal protein, which are crucial for improving nutrition in rural communities.

Madam Mariam’s journey exemplifies the beneficial impact of the Climate smart poultry project, showcasing how targeted interventions can uplift vulnerable populations and drive sustainable development while improving health and nutrition outcomes for communities.