In a recent trip to Lesotho, the World Poultry Foundation (WPF) worked with the Rural Self-Help Development Association (RSDA) as part of the USDA Food for Progress STEPS initiative. Land O’Lakes Venture37 is responsible for implementing the STEPS initiative, which aims to promote food security and sustainable agricultural expansion in many locations. WPF’s primary goal in Lesotho is to assist with the growth and expansion of parent stock operations in the nation’s poultry industry. This effort has the potential to significantly address issues related to food security and generate investment possibilities in Lesotho. WPF wants to improve the fundamentals of poultry production so that Lesotho’s poultry sector may develop autonomously and sustainably.
WPF carried out a comprehensive technical examination of RSDA’s parent stock farms during their most recent visit. This assessment was essential to determine if these facilities are prepared to handle new flocks and to make sure that the current stock is maintained effectively and sustainably. During the audit, preparations were assessed in a number of operational areas, including feed management, infrastructure, disease control procedures, and biosecurity measures. These audits are necessary to make sure that Lesotho’s poultry industry has a solid base on which to grow, as poultry parent stock farms make up the majority of the supply chain. Long-term prosperity in the industry depends on a steady supply of healthy chicks, which may be ensured by an effective parent stock facility management system.
One key component of WPF’s visit was the assessment of current flock performance and the preparation of facilities for incoming flocks. This aspect of the audit included an in-depth review of feeding practices, biosecurity measures, and overall animal health, all of which are crucial for optimizing productivity and ensuring flock longevity. By focusing on these areas, WPF is helping RSDA develop a resilient parent stock operation that can withstand the challenges typically associated with poultry farming, such as disease outbreaks and feed shortages. This support is expected to translate into a more stable and productive poultry industry in Lesotho, ultimately improving food availability and affordability.
Another important aspect of the technical audit was data monitoring, specifically through the use of CommCare, a digital data management platform that enables real-time monitoring and data sharing. By employing CommCare, WPF and RSDA can track flock health, production metrics, and other critical indicators efficiently and accurately. The data collected on CommCare provides valuable insights that can inform management decisions, such as adjusting feeding schedules or modifying biosecurity measures, to enhance overall productivity. The use of such digital tools represents a forward-looking approach to poultry management, one that leverages technology to maximize efficiency and minimize risks.
The poultry industry in Lesotho is anticipated to be significantly impacted by WPF’s partnership with RSDA under the STEPS program. By increasing local food security and decreasing dependency on imported chicken products, the expansion of parent stock operations is a first step toward Lesotho’s becoming a self-sufficient poultry industry. WPF is creating the foundation for sustainable growth by encouraging best practices in poultry farming and giving regional farmers the resources they require to succeed. A strong chicken business may boost local economies and create jobs, thus the success of these initiatives not only helps ensure food security but also creates new opportunities for economic growth in Lesotho.
Lesotho’s poultry industry has advanced significantly since the recent WPF visit. WPF is aggressively trying to scale up parent stock operations, promote sustainable and efficient agricultural practices, and provide technical assistance to local partners through its partnership with RSDA under the USDA Food for Progress STEPS program. The focus on technical readiness and data-driven management highlights WPF’s dedication to making sure Lesotho’s poultry sector can expand sustainably, which will eventually increase the country’s food security and economic resilience.
