Today, ISCA team members had their first chance to return to the chicken coops since the farmers began production in May. This marks the end of their second production cycle, with producers increasing production over the first cycle, now averaging about 35-40 chicks per coop, with chickens reaching market In 42 days at about 5 pounds per chicken on average. This has been a transformational project for many of the participating families. We even heard one farmer tell us he would be able to quit his part-time moto-taxi job to be a full time chicken farmer! The next fill will start in mid-November for the Christmas market.
ISCA is now looking at ways it can continue to support the families of Zoranger with their new chicken enterprises, such as market development and product branding, feed processing, and local slaughter capacity. Results so far give us lots of reasons to be positive and optimistic about this particular project! Special thanks goes to Gerome and Paul in Zoranger who have provided animal health advice, and to pcH who have provided mentorship and logistic support to the families. This project has been successful due to the collaboration of many!