The African Poultry Multiplication Initiative (APMI), a transformative program aimed at improving poultry production across Africa, continues to make significant strides in The Gambia. Recently, Joe Antonio, the Technical Director at World Poultry Foundation (WPF) for APMI, paid a working visit to G Farm—an important local partner in The Gambia. His mission was to offer technical support and monitor key aspects of hatchery operations such as egg storage conditions and the performance of essential equipment. This visit underlines APMI’s commitment to fostering grassroots partnerships that drive long-term sustainability in poultry farming.
Joe Antonio’s interaction with the G Farm team was an important step in identifying operational strengths and potential gaps that could impede output. The emphasis on egg preservation was especially critical because temperature and humidity levels directly affect hatchability and chick quality. Antonio inspected storage facilities and advised on how to keep hatching eggs in the best possible conditions. Furthermore, the technical assessment of hatchery equipment confirmed that machines ran smoothly, which is critical for satisfying the region’s growing demand for day-old chicks. This assistance helps local hatcheries maintain high standards, which builds trust among smallholder farmers who rely on healthy chicks to raise their flocks.
One of the unique aspects of APMI is its hands-on approach. Rather than providing distant oversight, APMI experts work closely with local stakeholders—walking side-by-side, assessing needs on the ground, and crafting solutions tailored to local realities. This model promotes capacity building and empowers partners like G Farm to gradually take full control of their operations. It also creates a sense of ownership and accountability, which are essential ingredients for long-term success.
G Farm, located in The Gambia, is critical to APMI’s overall mission because it provides a consistent source of improved dual-purpose birds that produce both meat and eggs. These birds are ideal for small-scale farmers, providing a cheap and productive alternative to indigenous breeds. The cooperation with APMI has given G Farm access to technical expertise, advanced hatchery procedures, and training opportunities, all of which assist to raise the country’s whole chicken value chain.
Furthermore, APMI’s commitment extends beyond technical support. The project also aims to improve market connections, assure the availability of high-quality feed, and encourage private sector investment in the poultry industry. By doing so, it fosters an atmosphere in which smallholder farmers can prosper. In The Gambia, where poultry farming is an important part of food security and rural livelihoods, such assistance is timely and effective.
The recent visit by Joe Antonio reflects APMI’s ongoing dedication to sustainable development through collaboration. By investing in people, knowledge, and technology, APMI is not only improving hatchery operations at G Farm but also helping build a resilient poultry ecosystem across The Gambia. As the initiative continues to expand, its model of partnership and technical empowerment promises to bring lasting benefits to rural communities and the broader agricultural sector.
