Poultry Program Field Visit – Part 1 Recap (Last Two Weeks)

Over the past two weeks, the Rare Vrienden Poultry Program continued its field engagement across beneficiary sites, focusing on strengthening implementation, monitoring progress, and reinforcing practical livestock management skills among participating women groups.

Day 1: Field Inspection Across Poultry Compounds

The team, led by the Chairman Eric alongside program staff, conducted a full round of five poultry compounds that had not been visited during the previous Kilifi visit.

At each site, the women beneficiaries warmly received the team and openly welcomed the inspection of their poultry units. This created a constructive environment for honest assessment and knowledge exchange.

A key highlight from the visit was the discovery of strong ownership by one of the beneficiaries- Anette, who had independently invested in proper feeders and waterers.

Higher level of commitment

Unlike the other setups, this demonstrated a higher level of commitment and understanding of poultry management best practices. It stood out as a practical example of how small investments can significantly improve bird health and productivity.

Throughout the visit, Sandra, the Monitoring and Evaluation officer, documented progress across all sites. She also provided immediate technical input where needed, including guidance on the correct administration of recommended poultry medication through drinking water systems. This ensured that animal health interventions were not only planned but also actively implemented on the ground.

Day 2: Training and Capacity Building Session

On the second day, Sandra invited the County Livestock Officer from Kilifi County, George Ndune, to facilitate a training session for the women beneficiaries.

Breakfast before workshop

The session began with a shared breakfast, setting a relaxed and participatory tone. George then delivered a focused training covering key areas essential for sustainable poultry farming, including:

• Proper feed formulation and feeding practices

• Hygiene and sanitation in poultry housing

• Ventilation and proper housing aeration

• Market access and commercialization strategies

• Common poultry diseases and prevention methods

Some of the notes by George

The session was highly interactive. The women actively engaged, asking practical follow-up questions based on their day-to-day experiences. This reflected both growing confidence and a strong desire to improve outcomes from their poultry enterprises.

Closing Session

The visit concluded with a brief address from Chairman Eric, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to long-term support, accountability, and community-led growth.

Sandra translates for Eric

Sandra provided real-time translation to ensure that all beneficiaries fully understood the key messages and technical guidance shared during the visit.

The atmosphere at the end of the session was one of encouragement and renewed motivation. The women expressed appreciation for the continued support, knowledge sharing, and hands-on guidance provided through the program.

In conclusion

This two-day engagement reinforced a clear direction: when technical support, monitoring, and local leadership are combined with committed beneficiaries, real progress becomes visible on the ground.

The Poultry Program continues to build not just capacity, but ownership—one compound at a time.

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