Earlier this month, Uganda hosted a historic event in the growth of Africa’s poultry sector: the International Forum on Small-scale Poultry and Feed Value Chains in Africa. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized the meeting, which brought together important stakeholders from across the continent to discuss poultry sector challenges and prospects, particularly among smallholder farmers.
Among the notable participants was the World Poultry Foundation (WPF), whose Training Coordinator, Eve Kamba, delivered a powerful presentation during the session on Capacity Development and Women’s Empowerment. Kamba outlined the WPF’s strategic approach, regional footprint, and the tangible impacts achieved through its various poultry development programs. Her presentation underscored the vital role training plays in transforming rural poultry practices and how women have been central to the foundation’s inclusive model.
Kamba emphasized that training is not just a supportive measure but a strategic pillar that serves as a catalyst for long-term and sustainable change. Through WPF’s training initiatives, thousands of small-scale poultry farmers—especially women—have gained essential knowledge in flock management, biosecurity, feeding techniques, and business skills. These efforts have enabled farmers to increase productivity, reduce losses, and grow their income streams. The forum participants applauded WPF’s holistic model, which integrates technical training with entrepreneurship and gender empowerment.
The event featured two days of substantive conversation and collaboration among policymakers, scholars, farmer representatives, non-governmental groups, and private sector participants. There was a widespread commitment to enhancing Africa’s poultry value chains in ways that are inclusive, climate resilient, and economically sustainable. Participants also discussed solutions for overcoming critical difficulties such as restricted access to high-quality feed, insufficient veterinary services, and the need for improved market access for smallholder farmers.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation recognized the World Poultry Foundation, which was a highlight of the forum. The Gates Foundation praised WPF’s grassroots impact, notably its ability to empower women in rural communities through chicken farming. This recognition strengthened the emerging worldwide understanding that increasing women’s agricultural engagement is critical to achieving food security and poverty reduction in Africa.
In countries like Uganda, where poultry farming is widely practiced but often under-resourced, the forum was especially significant. It not only served as a platform for networking and knowledge-sharing but also as a call to action for governments and stakeholders to invest in poultry training, improve feed value chains, and promote inclusive policies. Uganda’s role as host underscored its commitment to advancing small-scale agriculture and provided a learning opportunity for other African nations to emulate its collaborative spirit.
The International Forum in Uganda showcased the power of partnerships and strategic training in reshaping Africa’s poultry landscape. The engagement from different actors, the recognition of impactful work by organizations like WPF, and the focused discussions on empowerment and resilience all point toward a brighter future for small-scale poultry farmers across the continent. The forum reminded everyone that building resilient poultry systems is not just about birds—it is about people, livelihoods, and lasting transformation.
