Introduction
AICAD’s Uganda Country Office conducted a grassroots training on poultry farming in Luwero District from 16th to 18th September 2025. This training was part of AICAD’s commitment to addressing poverty reduction through practical skills development. Poultry farming was identified as a key area of intervention because of its potential to generate income, improve nutrition, and contribute to household food security
Needs Assessment and Rationale
Luwero District is predominantly rural, with many households depending on smallholder farming as their primary livelihood. Poultry production, though common, faces challenges such as inadequate knowledge on feeding, poor disease control, limited access to markets, and weak record-keeping practices. A baseline assessment revealed a strong need for training to build the capacity of farmers in modern poultry farming practices, with the aim of improving productivity, profitability, and sustainability.
Participants and Beneficiaries
The training targeted 20 smallholder poultry farmers drawn from different communities in Luwero District. Participants were both men and women actively engaged in poultry farming, selected on the basis of their willingness to adopt improved practices and share knowledge with their communities.
Training Venue and Duration
The training was held in Luwero District over a three-day period (16th–18th September 2025). The choice of Luwero was informed by its active smallholder poultry sector and the identified capacity gaps.
Training Details
The training covered three broad areas: knowledge enhancement, skill development, and business sustainability.
A. Knowledge Enhancement
Poultry Production Systems: Overview of poultry types, specific needs, and production methods.
Biology and Physiology: Understanding poultry growth, reproduction, and productivity.
Nutrition and Feeding: Nutritional requirements at different growth stages and formulation of balanced diets.
Disease Prevention and Control: Common diseases, biosecurity practices, and basic treatments.
Housing and Equipment: Principles of poultry housing, ventilation, temperature control, and use of equipment.
B. Skills Development
Handling and Management: Catching, weighing, and administering medication to poultry.
Breeding and Selection: Choosing breeding stock, managing breeding programs, and improving genetics.
Feeding and Watering: Practical feeding and watering techniques to maximize feed conversion.
Disease Diagnosis and Treatment: Recognizing illness signs and providing basic treatment.
Record-Keeping and Financial Management: Maintaining accurate flock records, costs, and revenues.
Marketing and Sales: Product pricing, packaging, and distribution strategies.
C. Business and Sustainability
Farm Establishment: Site selection, infrastructure development, and permit acquisition.
Business Planning: Preparing business plans, managing farm finances, and decision-making.
Sustainable Practices: Waste management and use of eco-friendly farming inputs.
Group Formation and Collective Marketing: Benefits of farmer groups and collaborative marketing strategies.
Outcome and Achievements
By the end of the training:
Farmers had improved understanding of poultry biology, nutrition, and disease management.
Participants gained hands-on skills in handling, feeding, watering, and administering medications.
Farmers acquired business planning and financial management skills to enhance sustainability.
Emphasis was placed on adopting eco-friendly and group-based approaches to strengthen productivity and marketing.
Conclusion
The training successfully empowered 20 smallholder farmers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to enhance poultry production in Luwero District. This initiative is expected to improve household incomes, food security, and overall community resilience. AICAD Uganda Country Office remains committed to supporting farmers with capacity development programs that address poverty reduction and promote sustainable livelihoods.
