In a significant show of commitment to poultry development in Madagascar, representatives from the World Poultry Foundation (WPF) recently visited the country to monitor the progress of their Accelerating Pathways to Market Initiative (APMI). The delegation, which included CEO Randall Ennis, Jan de Jonge, and board member Jim Wayt, toured various project sites to assess on-ground developments, collaborate with local partners, and listen to feedback from community stakeholders.
The team’s primary focus was on the work being carried out by the WPF’s local partner, the Livestock for Life (LFL) organization, which has been instrumental in rolling out the APMI. The visit took place at the end of June and involved several key evaluations and collaborative discussions that are expected to further enhance the program’s efficiency and impact.
One of the highlights of the trip was observing the early adoption of structured record-keeping practices among poultry farmers. At every Brooder Unit visited, farmers were seen actively using printed record-keeping sheets—an encouraging sign that foundational management practices are being embraced at the grassroots level. These habits are crucial for tracking growth, monitoring poultry health, managing feed usage, and optimizing overall operations.
A significant portion of the visit was also dedicated to reviewing the advancements in CommCare, the data management platform supporting the APMI program. Updates to this system are central to capturing and analyzing real-time field data, enabling evidence-based decisions and more precise interventions. The improvements discussed are expected to streamline data collection, enhance accuracy, and allow better monitoring of farmer performance and poultry outcomes.
Additionally, the WPF delegation took time to engage directly with the community, attending local farmer meetings and interacting with field teams. These sessions offered a platform for open dialogue, allowing the WPF team to understand the challenges and successes farmers are experiencing firsthand. Listening to these stories provided valuable insights that will inform future project strategies and support mechanisms.
Beyond data and field operations, the conversations also focused on feed supply chains and how they can be optimized to meet the growing demands of smallholder poultry keepers. Ensuring consistent access to affordable and high-quality feed remains a cornerstone of the program’s long-term sustainability.
The WPF officials expressed satisfaction with the strides made so far and highlighted their optimism for the future of poultry farming in Madagascar. The integration of digital tools, the evident enthusiasm among farmers, and the strong partnerships on the ground are aligning well with the broader goal of improving livelihoods through poultry.
As the APMI project continues to expand its reach, WPF affirmed its commitment to supporting innovation, capacity building, and the empowerment of rural communities. The foundation looks forward to sharing more progress updates in the months ahead as they work hand-in-hand with local stakeholders to build a thriving poultry sector in Madagascar.
