Poultry Training Strengthens Farmers’ Capacities in //Kharas Region

Keetmanshoop, Namibia – In a move to strengthen poultry farming in southern Namibia, more than 30 local farmers and agricultural officers gathered in Keetmanshoop for a hands-on training session focused on poultry production. The two-day workshop, held from 17–18 March 2025, forms part of the South-South Cooperation (SSC) programme jointly implemented by the governments of Namibia and China in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Held from 17–18 March 2025 at the Ministry of Home Affairs boarding room, the training was facilitated by Haiyan Chen, FAO Animal Husbandry Expert and Chinese cooperant, alongside Namibian agricultural officers including Simson L. Hitamuka, who delivered key sessions on broiler and layer farming.

The training aimed to strengthen local capacity in poultry production as part of the Poultry Value Chain Development Scheme for the //Kharas Region. It provided participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into poultry nutrition, housing, chick rearing, broiler and layer management, and financial planning.

“This training is not only about teaching poultry farming techniques,” said Haiyan Chen. “It is about inspiring and equipping farmers to become self-sufficient, generate income, and contribute to the country’s food security. The participants showed great enthusiasm and curiosity, which made the sessions interactive and fruitful.”

Simson L. Hitamuka, who lectured on broiler and layer farming, emphasized the importance of appropriate rearing techniques and local adaptability.

“Good poultry management begins with understanding your environment, choosing the right housing materials, and ensuring the health of your flock through proper feeding and hygiene,” he explained.

For participants, the training was both educational and empowering. Andrea Lucia Boois, a young farmer from Keetmanshoop, shared her experience.

“The training was very educational and fruitful. I have learned the importance and opportunities in the poultry farming industry. I appreciate the information as this will equip me with the right knowledge to enter the industry.”

Another trainee, Raymond Freyer, highlighted the impact of the training on his business acumen.

“I gained the skills and knowledge to manage my poultry business, especially financial management, which is a key aspect to ensure that I make a profit.”

Through interactive question-and-answer sessions, participants engaged with practical issues such as building cost-effective poultry houses, selecting bedding materials, managing stress in chickens, and handling chemicals safely.

Despite challenges with punctuality due to transportation constraints, the training was successfully implemented, with strong participation and positive feedback from attendees.

The initiative is part of Phase II of the South-South Cooperation, which focuses on capacity development in both agriculture and fisheries across various Namibian regions, including //Kharas, Hardap, Omusati, Oshana, Khomas, and Kavango East.

As the SSC project continues to roll out across the country, more local farmers are expected to benefit from targeted training aimed at improving productivity, boosting income generation, and enhancing resilience in agriculture.