SUSTENANCE IN BIRDS

Plateau State’s love for poultry meat and eggs has grown at an interesting pace over the years and a means of employment and sustenance to quite a number of families in the State and it is one of the best business ventures in the State. Several entrepreneurs have being successful in this Agribusiness, which serve as encouragement for people planning to join the business.

In June last year, Mrs Martha John a caregiver on the STEER project and mother of four (4) was trained on Micro Enterprise Fundamentals (MEF) to build and sustain her business. “My poultry adventure began as a hobby about six years ago. I started with 15 broilers, which I bought from a poultry farm but after suffering severe loss when I started I was discouraged and stopped the business, but after attending the MEF training, I was trained on how to keep poultry diseases at bay by combining farm hygiene practices (biosecurity) and vaccinating the birds on time. I took the sum of N40, 000 loan from my VSLA group (Kauna) with which I was able to start the business. I was able to make the business successful through targeted marketing and I made reasonable profit during this Easter sales as I sold about 25 birds at N3500 each.”

After the sales, Mrs Martha made about N87, 500 out of which she restocked her farm with new birds’ aside the turkey she rears also which cost about N12000 to N15000 depending on the size. “I don’t have to work for someone or work outside my home as I have my office i.e. my Agribusiness close to me and I have ample time to look after my children, their education and sustain myself without begging anybody for money”. She said.

Mrs Naomi Izang the CCMW who counselled her also reported that she is also making reasonable progress in her turkey business as she now has about 10 mature turkeys which is a valuable asset in today’s economy; she added that she intends to introduce the intensive poultry methods in the nearest future.

Poultry business has transformed my life and that of my children as I make reasonable profit which I use to sustain myself, my children and assist them in their education as my first child is currently writing his WAEC. There is also a ready market for chickens and turkeys as I sell my products in Yankaji (Kwararafa), Chorbe markets and to eateries and residents in my community” she said. She encourages caregivers not to shun farming as demand for food is always rising, which means a ready market.

Mrs Martha John is one amongst many caregivers on the Mashiah Foundation/STEER project enrolled in Rukuba Road engaged in poultry business as a means of a livelihood.