“Now, my chickens are healthier, they’re producing more eggs, and I’ve seen a huge drop in mortality rates.” Priscilla shares
At 27, Uwimpaye Priscilla was at a crossroads in her poultry farming venture. Starting with a small flock of 100 laying chickens, Priscilla faced a series of challenges that threatened her dream of running a successful business. Lacking professional expertise and proper farming practices, she struggled with frequent disease outbreaks, stunted growth in her flock, and high mortality rates.
“I was raising chickens, but I didn’t know how to properly manage them. I was frustrated by the constant losses,” Priscilla recalls. But everything changed when she enrolled in the YEFFA Program through ABUSOL Ltd. in July 2024.
Turning Point: The YEFFA Program’s Impact
The YEFFA Program, a partnership between AGRA and the Mastercard Foundation, aims to empower young entrepreneurs, especially women like Priscilla, by providing them with the tools needed to thrive in agriculture. Priscilla participated in a comprehensive technical training that covered critical areas such as:
- Vaccination Programs: To prevent disease and improve flock health.
- Biosecurity Measures: To protect the chickens from external threats.
- Feed Management: Ensuring proper nutrition for healthy growth.
- Poultry House Design and Ventilation: To create a conducive environment for the chickens.
- Stocking Density Recommendations: To reduce stress and promote better health.
Key Improvements After Training
The results were transformative. Priscilla applied her newfound knowledge and implemented the following changes in her poultry business:
- Flock Size: She increased her flock from 100 to 120 chickens of the Sasso breed, known for its resilience and productivity.
- Egg Production: Thanks to better care, Priscilla boosted egg production to 85% at 20 weeks, significantly improving her income from egg sales.
- Reduced Mortality Rate: By adhering to the vaccination program and biosecurity measures, she lowered her flock’s mortality rate from 30% to just 5%.
- Poultry House Renovation: Priscilla redesigned her poultry house, improving ventilation and ensuring a comfortable living environment for her chickens.
“The training gave me the knowledge I needed to improve my flock’s health. Before, I was just guessing what might work,” Priscilla shares. “Now, my chickens are healthier, they’re producing more eggs, and I’ve seen a huge drop in mortality rates.”
Looking Forward: A Bright Future
Priscilla’s poultry farm is on a path to growth. With plans to expand her flock and improve her practices further, she is also considering diversifying into other agricultural ventures. Her commitment to expanding her business also extends to her community, as she envisions creating job opportunities for local youth.
“The knowledge I gained from YEFFA has empowered me to take control of my business and manage it in a professional way,” Priscilla says with renewed confidence. “I’m now excited about the future. I believe that with the right support, I can make my poultry business even more profitable and sustainable.”
Impact of YEFFA
The YEFFA Program has made a significant impact on Priscilla’s poultry farming business:
- Improved Productivity: Healthier chickens are producing more eggs, contributing to higher income.
- Sustainability: Reduced mortality rates and better health management practices have paved the way for a more sustainable business.
- Increased Confidence: Priscilla now feels confident in her ability to manage her farm and plan for future expansion.
With the support of the YEFFA Program, Priscilla has not only transformed her poultry business but also gained the confidence and skills to grow her business sustainably. Her journey showcases how youth and women empowerment in agriculture can lead to real, tangible changes.
The Role of AGRA and the Mastercard Foundation
The YEFFA Program, backed by AGRA and the Mastercard Foundation, has played a crucial role in empowering Priscilla. By providing her with the technical training, mentorship, and market linkages she needed, the program has given her the tools to succeed. Through initiatives like YEFFA, these organizations are fostering youth and women’s participation in agriculture, creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs like Priscilla to not only improve their livelihoods but also contribute to the broader transformation of Rwanda’s agricultural sector.
“I feel more hopeful now than ever before. I’m not just running a farm, I’m building a future,” Priscilla concludes.
About YEFFA Program
The Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) program is a strategic partnership between AGRA and the Mastercard Foundation. The program is focused on catalyzing youth entrepreneurship and creating dignified work opportunities for young people, especially women, in Rwanda. Through technical training, mentorship, and market linkages, YEFFA is equipping the next generation of farmers to drive agricultural transformation in Africa.
About ABUSOL Ltd.
ABUSOL Ltd. is a key partner in the YEFFA Program, dedicated to empowering young farmers with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed in agriculture. Through training and support, ABUSOL Ltd. helps young entrepreneurs like Priscilla build sustainable and profitable agricultural businesses.