Why poultry farming is a smart business for youth

Lack of employment among the youth is one of the biggest challenges in most of developing countries. Despite the fact that many youths are learned and have completed high school, university and colleges, there is still a big challenge to get employment opportunity. Formal jobs are scarce and competition is intense. This reality has forced many youth to rethink and search for an alternative ways of earning a living. One of the most practical, accessible and profitable venture is in farming, especially poultry farming despite being considered as small/rural activity. 

When taken serious and with the right mindset and management, poultry farming can be a source of income and employment for many. Especially for youth, who are willing to learn and take action, poultry farming is not just an option or side hustle but also it's a smart business decision. 

Understanding poultry farming as a business

First and foremost thing that should be done by poultry farmers is to change their mindset from considering it as a side hustle or a temporary activity and view poultry farming as a business like any other business. Every business needs planning and proper management and consistency for it to become profitable and successful. Just like any other enterprise, poultry farming involves investment (financial, time, skills and mental preparedness), planning, risk management and profit generation.

Poultry farming has a lower starting capital compared to other ventures like dairy farming. Poultry farming involves rearing of birds like chicken, ducks, quails or turkeys for eggs or meat or ornamental business. The most practiced form of farming are layer farming, improved kienyeji farming and broiler farming. Layer farming is poultry farming done for eggs while broiler farming is for meat. Improved kienyeji is a multipurpose venture, as it provides both meat and eggs. Layer farming and broiler farming have a clear production cycles, predictable costs and ready and reliable market, thus making them ideal for young entrepreneurs.

Low startup capital compared to other businesses

One of the major reasons why poultry farming is a smart choice for youth in developing countries is the relatively low startup capital required. Most business require large capital investments due to rent, licenses, equipment and staff before generating any income, but on the side of poultry farming the capital required is low and within a short time it starts generating income. Also poultry farming allows youth to start small and enlarge into large scale later.

Let's take broiler farming for instance,  anyone can start it, as long as he/she is willing to learn and have a business mindset. From chicks to maturity it only takes at most 7-8 weeks , which means it will generate income within 2 months. You can start with as few as 50-100 chicks and gradually grow the business through reinvestment. Poultry housing can be constructed using locally available materials which are usually affordable and labor is often self provided at the beginning. This flexibility reduces the financial risk and makes poultry farming accessible even to youth with limited savings.

Fast returns and short production cycles

Unlike any other farming which takes several months or even years to produce returns, poultry farming offers quick results. Broilers chicken mature within 6-8 weeks and are ready for market, while layers begin laying eggs at around 18- 20 weeks and continue producing for more than a year. This great and fast turnover is a great attraction to youth who need to be independent and have regular cash flow from egg sales and frequent broiler cycles, this allows young farmers to cover expenses, reinvest profits and improve their living standards without waiting for long periods.

Consistent and growing market demand

The demand for poultry products keeps on increasing day in day out. Eggs and meat are getting consumed daily by many households across all income levels. They are crucial products for hotels, restaurants, schools, hospitals, households and all catering services. The increase in population and changing of diets have greatly impacted the demand for poultry products.

Minimal land requirements

Land has greatly decreased as population increase. Poultry farming stands out as it does not require large land sizes. A small backyard or roof top can comfortably support a poultry farming project. That's why poultry farming is suitable for every youth no matter where they are living either towns, informal settlements or rural areas, all does well and fit for poultry farming.

Opportunities for skill development

Poultry farming as a business will equip the youth with valuable skills that go beyond agriculture only. Some of the skills are; business planning and budgeting, record keeping, financial management, marketing and customer relations, animal health and biosecurity management, problem solving, decision making and so many more. These kind of skills are great and help the youth to manage other businesses in the future, hence this kind of farming becomes both an income source and a learning platform.

Technology and innovation favor youth

Young people have an added advantage when it comes to adopting technology. Farming has nowadays become easier as farmers can access information through mobile phones, online platforms and also from social medial platforms. Online tutorials and digital record keeping tools allow and help in managing the farm the right way.

Employment creation

When youth invest in poultry farming they self employ themselves and also creating jobs opportunities for others. As poultry farm project expand, there is usually a need for additional labor in feeding, cleaning, marketing and even in distribution. This contributes in reducing unemployment rate and also in strengthening the economy of the area.

Flexibility and scalability

Poultry farming allows flexibility as one can start small, test the market and expand gradually as experience and capital grow. Farmer can adjust production based on market demand, seasonal changes  or financial capacity.

Changing the narrative around farming

Farming is mostly viewed as a venture for the old people and the less fortunate. Especially poultry farming is also wrongly viewed as a career of last resort and outdated. But this narratives is wrong as poultry farming is a business that can be modernized, it's profitable and also attractive to both young people and also old. It's not an old fashioned business.

There is need for mindset shift for the future of food security and economic development. Thus young generation should be encouraged to invest in job creation especially in farming and value addition.