The collaboration between the University of Burundi and Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) exemplifies a forward-thinking strategy to address poultry farming difficulties while promoting sustainability and economic growth. The “Greening the Chicken Value Chain” effort brings together innovative ideas and climate-smart practices to address the serious concerns of climate change, high production costs, and waste management in chicken farming.
One of the standout innovations is the Smart Kuku Brooder, developed by Ugandan students. This solar-powered, automated brooder provides an affordable and sustainable solution for farmers who struggle with the high costs and environmental impacts of traditional brooding methods. By maintaining optimal temperatures for chicks, alleviates the physical and financial burdens of manual temperature regulation while reducing dependence on charcoal and firewood. Similarly, projects focused on briquettes made from poultry waste offer an eco-friendly energy source that further minimizes environmental harm.
In addition to technological innovation, the partnership emphasizes skill-building and empowerment, particularly among youth and women. Over 150,000 women are set to receive training in value addition to chicken products, such as processing and marketing, which can significantly enhance their incomes. Meanwhile, young innovators are provided mentorship and funding to transform their climate-smart ideas into scalable businesses. This dual focus on innovation and community engagement ensures that the benefits of sustainable practices reach a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
The project also aims to expand the poultry sector’s contribution to food security and economic resilience. According to the 2021 National Livestock Census, Uganda’s poultry population was approximately 57.8 million, with 5.2 million households engaged in poultry farming. By promoting environmentally friendly and efficient practices, this initiative supports the goal of increasing chicken production to 100 million birds by 2030. This ambitious target aligns with broader objectives of socio-economic transformation and sustainability.
Furthermore, the partnership between the University of Burundi and NARO serves as an example of combining research, innovation, and community participation to build a more resilient chicken sector. By solving environmental and economic difficulties with cutting-edge solutions, this collaboration not only boosts the chicken value chain but also establishes a precedent for sustainable agriculture in the region.
