Progress in Poultry!

Charles Goossen, a chicken farmer in Saskatchewan, and his son Dennis, an accountant, spent the first two weeks of November in Fugar, Nigeria.    They went to further support the poultry project and to help move it forward.  Dennis came along specifically to help with the bookkeeping needs of the project and for individual farmers.

On the ground in Fugar, the Mennonite Brethren Charity Organization (MBCO) oversees the poultry project and some members are the first to participate as chicken farmers.  By operating their own chicken farm as a small business, they in turn can train and oversee other local farmers who are in need of a income to help them out of poverty.

The two gentlemen visited the four farms that were started less then two years ago where both layer and broiler chickens are being raised.  Much experience has been gained in raising chickens, market conditions, and the logistics of running a poultry farm.  Both Dennis and Charles inspected the existing farms and Dennis gave training sessions on basic bookkeeping.  They were pleased with the project’s progress.

 

Poultry Project Update!

After raising a couple batches of broiler chickens in Nigeria, we are seriously considering switching to layer birds. The broiler processing plant we used near Fugar has gone bankrupt, so that market has disappeared.  In order for the farmers to market their birds successfully, they would have to invest in cooling facilities.  And at this point, we feel like that is beyond their capacity.

Eggs will stay fresh much longer in the warm Nigerian climate, and will also be more affordable in the local market.  We are hoping that one farmer will raise the pullets while the others take care of the layers.  To purchase birds would require too much money for freight.  The existing barns would work well for broilers, pullets, or layers, and the cages can be constructed locally from mesh wire sheets. The cost of the cages is usually between 12000 – 16000 Naira for 60 birds.

 

April Newsletter!

The latest issue of the Hope for Nigeria Newsletter is now available!  View it online here or contact the CVMCanada office at admin@cvmcanada.org to be added to the mailing list!

 

Welcome to the new Hope for Nigeria blog!

The Nigeria Poultry Project has made some really great progress and in August/September 2009, four farmers began growing their first crop of chickens!  In the fall, they were ready for processing and marketing to local stores, restaurants, and businesses.   This first crop went fairly well and was a good learning experience for the new farmers who are just learning about growing chickens and marketing.

Charles Goossen (poultry farmer, Nigeria Poultry Project founder) and Dr. Conrad Van Dijk (Executive Director of CVMCanada, Sierra Leone Poultry Project founder) visited Nigeria this past February.   The current crop of chickens was started in January and Charles and Conrad were able to observe the raising of chickens at three different ages:  First week, 2nd and 3rd week, and 4th week of age.  The marketing of the first crop was a challenge and are now looking into processing their own chickens.

Here are some photos from their recent trip!

 

Newly Hatched Blog for the Nigeria Poultry Project!

The Nigeria Poultry Project is an initiative supported by Hope for Nigeria (Saskatchewan) and run by the Mennonite Brethren Charity Organization (MCBO).  Check out this new blog to keep up with their progress!