The year 2025 marks a major milestone for the World Poultry Foundation (WPF), celebrating ten years under its current name and a legacy that extends even further back in its efforts to transform global poultry systems. Over the past decade, the WPF has played a critical role in reshaping small-scale poultry farming by focusing on food security, economic empowerment, and resilience. With a footprint in countries like Tanzania, Zambia, and Senegal, and new expansion efforts into Latin America, the foundation’s work continues to inspire change and uplift communities.
Since its formal rebranding in 2015, the World Poultry Foundation has become a global leader in fostering sustainable poultry production. At its core, the foundation aims to support smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, by providing access to better birds, quality inputs such as feed and vaccines, and reliable markets. This strategic approach not only increases productivity but also improves household nutrition and creates new income-generating opportunities for rural families.
WPF has achieved significant strides in Tanzania by collaborating with both public and private sector entities. Best techniques for managing poultry, such as disease prevention, appropriate housing, and nutrition, have been taught to local farmers. Many Tanzanian smallholders have been able to increase the production of eggs and meat, lower mortality rates, and raise healthier birds thanks to the foundation’s efforts. Families’ diets have improved as a result, and there is now more excess produce available for sale in neighborhood markets, increasing revenue and improving rural livelihoods.
Similarly, in Zambia, the foundation’s initiatives have empowered farmers to view poultry as a viable agribusiness. By introducing dual-purpose breeds that are more resistant to diseases and can thrive under village conditions, the WPF has helped boost productivity. Zambian farmers who were previously engaged in subsistence farming are now integrating poultry into their economic strategies. Training programs, along with access to affordable inputs and vaccines, have ensured that more people can sustain profitable poultry operations, contributing to national food security goals.
In Senegal, WPF’s impact has been transformative, especially among women’s groups. Through targeted training sessions and provision of starter flocks, the foundation has equipped women with the tools and knowledge to run poultry enterprises. These efforts have created a ripple effect—improving nutrition for children, creating jobs, and supporting gender equality. The community-based model promoted by the WPF fosters collaboration and long-term sustainability by linking farmers with suppliers and buyers in a reliable supply chain.
As the World Poultry Foundation looks ahead to the next decade, its focus is expanding beyond Africa. Latin American countries are the next frontier, where the lessons learned from Africa will be adapted to meet regional needs. Despite the diversity of farming systems and economic contexts, the foundation’s vision remains consistent: using poultry farming as a tool to fight poverty, improve food security, and build climate-resilient communities.
The journey of the World Poultry Foundation over the past ten years is a testament to the power of partnership, innovation, and grassroots engagement. By staying committed to empowering small-scale farmers in countries like Tanzania, Zambia, and Senegal, the foundation has built a strong foundation for continued success. As it ventures into new territories, the WPF continues to pave the way for a brighter, healthier, and more food-secure future for all.
