The Poultry Association of Zambia (PAZ) reported a notable decrease in the poultry sector’s performance during this time, which stands in stark contrast to the strong results observed in the same quarter over the past two years. In an interview with local media outlet News Diggers on Saturday, PAZ Executive Manager Dominic Chanda outlined several key factors contributing to this downturn.
Chanda noted that the sector has been severely impacted by ongoing load shedding, which has disrupted the energy supply necessary for poultry farming operations. Additionally, the depreciation of the kwacha against major currencies has heightened the cost of imported feed and equipment, putting further strain on producers. The association also pointed to the limited availability of raw materials as a significant constraint, which affects feed production and overall output. Furthermore, heavy flooding in various farming areas has compounded these challenges, damaging infrastructure and reducing the viability of arable land.
“First and foremost, if you compare the first quarter of this year to the last two years, the results are markedly poorer,” Chanda explained. “In those previous years, the industry thrived as we experienced favorable conditions, such as consistent rainfall, reliable power supply, and a more stable kwacha. This year, however, we are facing a multitude of obstacles that have compromised the sector’s performance, and immediate intervention is needed to address these issues.”
