In many African nations, including Senegal, poultry farming remains essential to both food security and revenue generating. The need for better production methods and effective value chain management is growing as the demand for poultry products develops rapidly among both rural and urban populations. In light of this, a revolutionary training program was introduced in Senegal this week with the goal of bolstering the poultry industry via digital innovation and capacity building.
Led by poultry expert Thierry, the training session brought together 17 Field Service Representatives (FSRs) from Couvoir Amar, one of Senegal’s key players in poultry hatchery and production services. The FSRs included a balanced mix of new recruits and experienced field workers, fostering a dynamic environment where knowledge sharing and mentorship naturally occurred. This diversity ensured that insights from years of on-the-ground experience were passed on to newer staff, while fresh perspectives and questions stimulated active discussions and critical thinking.
The training was designed to be hands-on and highly practical, focusing on real-world challenges faced by poultry farmers. It included comprehensive modules on poultry health management, nutrition, housing, brooding techniques, vaccination schedules, and biosecurity protocols. Thierry emphasized a farmer-first approach, ensuring that each FSR could deliver personalized technical support to farmers based on their unique needs and local conditions. Participants engaged in role-play simulations, group problem-solving, and field demonstrations to build their confidence and improve service delivery.
Introducing and using the recently revised CommCare application, a potent digital tool for data collecting and field reporting, was a major part of the training. FSRs can now record precise, up-to-date data on vaccination coverage, feed utilization, disease outbreaks, and poultry farm performance using CommCare on smartphones and tablets. In addition to increasing information accuracy and dependability, this move from paper-based to digital data collecting speeds up decision-making and allows for better tracking of farmers’ progress over time.
With better data, FSRs can provide more targeted technical support to poultry farmers, addressing problems before they escalate and tailoring recommendations to specific farm conditions. For instance, if the data shows a pattern of poor weight gain in a particular region, the FSR can immediately investigate feed quality or advise on improved feeding strategies. This responsiveness leads to better farm outcomes and ultimately enhances productivity across the value chain.
Furthermore, the digital system allows Couvoir Amar to analyze trends and performance at a broader level. Management can now identify gaps in service delivery, recognize top-performing FSRs, and allocate resources more effectively. Farmers benefit directly from this ecosystem through increased support, access to timely information, and improved flock health, which translates to higher profits and more sustainable livelihoods.
Overall, this training initiative marks a significant step forward in professionalizing poultry extension services in Senegal. By investing in both human and digital capacity, Couvoir Amar is empowering its field agents to become more effective change agents for rural farmers. As FSRs return to their respective regions, they carry with them not only new knowledge and tools but also a renewed commitment to helping poultry farmers succeed. Such efforts are key to building a resilient and inclusive poultry sector that can meet Senegal’s growing nutritional needs while providing dignified employment across the country.
