Spotlight on the potential of poultry farming

Paokwab Farming and Agronomy Investment strives to become a poultry product supplier of choice in the Erongo Region, creating employment and shareholders in the business.

Theopold-Ben Keib and Leily Keis started their farming journey with goats and sheep, but later saw the potential in poultry farming and decided to diversify their farming business.

In 2019, they started with a small chicken project with dual-purpose chicken breeds such as the Boschveld and Sussex breeds.

Interest sparked

According to Agribank, in 2021, the couple attended one of the bank’s training interventions in Walvis Bay, hosted in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

The training intensified their interest in poultry farming, and their desire to commercialise chicken production was sparked.

“With this new vigour, the couple resolved to venture into commercialised egg production and added 700 Lohman Brown layer hens to their chicken enterprise,” said Agribank.

The couple said the training boosted their knowledge on how to establish poultry housing, vaccination against poultry diseases, treat poultry diseases, maintain poultry nutrition, hygiene, biosecurity measures, and much more.

Overcoming hurdles

However, they have also faced several challenges, including high mortality rates, a high cost of feed, acquiring reliable workers, and keeping up with market demand due to insufficient volumes.

The couple strives to overcome these challenges and currently markets their produce to locals, tuck shops, and customers in Walvis Bay. The Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) has also shown interest in off-taking eggs from their business.

Growing business

Although margins are still small, they said the income from their business sustains them.

Therefore, they intend to seek loan financing to expand their enterprise and meet the growing demand. They also plan to transition to a more commercialised cage production system.

Agribank said the couple currently has three workers and intend to employ three more with the expansion of the enterprise.

Moreover, they aim to contribute to food security and reduce dependence on imported goods.

Keib urged the youth to reconsider agriculture as a viable career option and highlighted the potential profitability of poultry farming. He emphasised that by establishing more poultry businesses, they can meet the increasing demand and reduce reliance on imports in the sector.