The poultry sector in Zambia is poised for a significant boost as a new round of training for Field Service Representatives (FSRs) takes place in Muchinga Province. This development is part of the broader African Poultry Multiplication Initiative (APMI), which aims to transform rural poultry production across the continent by increasing access to high-quality birds, improving management practices, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for smallholder farmers. The training, jointly organized by the World Poultry Foundation and Hybrid Poultry Farm, marks a pivotal step in expanding the reach of the initiative within Zambia.
The training program is designed to equip FSRs with a comprehensive understanding of poultry production and management. Delivered through a combination of classroom-based learning and practical field exercises, the curriculum focuses on four key areas: poultry management, brooder unit recruitment, sales techniques, and data collection. These components are essential in empowering FSRs to effectively support smallholder farmers in their communities, ensuring the birds they receive grow healthily and productively. The emphasis on hands-on learning allows the participants to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life scenarios, boosting their confidence and competence in the field.
An important feature of the training in Muchinga is the inclusion of experienced Field Service Representatives from other provinces. Patrick Bwalya and Elisha Kasoka, both from the Eastern Province of Zambia, are playing a mentorship role during the sessions. Their participation adds great value to the program, as they bring practical experience and field-tested strategies that have yielded success in their respective regions. By sharing their stories, lessons, and challenges, they are helping to shape a new generation of well-informed and motivated FSRs ready to tackle local challenges in poultry farming.
The African Poultry Multiplication Initiative has been instrumental in boosting rural economies by creating employment and encouraging entrepreneurship. Field Service Representatives serve as the link between rural farmers and the poultry production chain, offering guidance, technical support, and market access. In return, they also benefit by running profitable businesses through the sale of day-old chicks and poultry feed. With the expansion into Muchinga Province, the initiative is extending its impact, bringing more communities into the fold and creating opportunities for youth and women in particular.
Zambia’s rural poultry sector faces a number of challenges, including limited access to quality breeds, insufficient veterinary support, and poor knowledge of poultry management practices. However, with targeted initiatives like this FSR training, the landscape is beginning to change. Well-trained FSRs are key to disseminating knowledge, improving farmer outcomes, and ensuring that poultry farming becomes a viable and dependable source of income. Moreover, the data collection component of the training ensures that progress is measurable, and the program can continuously evolve based on real-time feedback from the field.
The Field Service Representative training in Muchinga Province, Zambia, represents a critical investment in people and poultry. It highlights the importance of grassroots capacity-building in agricultural development. As more FSRs emerge from this program with the skills, tools, and support to drive change in their communities, Zambia moves one step closer to achieving its goals of food security, rural development, and economic empowerment through sustainable poultry farming.
