Poultry contributes 43% and 89% of the national egg and meat production respectively and it plays a significant socio-economic role in the rural economy. Besides being a critical source of animal protein for rural households, rural/backyard poultry serves as pest control and is traded for petty cases for household essentials, medicines, and emergency purchases. This petty cash serves as a source of income for women in rural households who most times are unemployed and have to rely on their husbands for provisions.

While the demand for backyard poultry has been on the increase, productivity remains low as poultry farmers (80% women) still use obsolete management practices due to the absence of capacity building or extension services, unaware of the economic potential of poultry production, not investing in vaccination or other veterinary services which results in high mortality, low productivity, and supply deficit.

In this light, ASL supported the training of women in Kaduna State in local chicken improved production. This training supported the women with knowledge of how to increase their chicken productivity, vaccination, waste recycling, and business management.