MUKONO, April 16, 2026 – The National Agricultural Research Organisation [NARO] has trained more than 500 young people in climate-smart poultry farming, equipping them with practical skills to improve productivity and livelihoods.
The training, conducted by the Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute [MUZARD], focused on building a comprehensive understanding of the poultry value chain, from production to marketing.
Implemented under the Greening the Chicken Value Chain Project, the initiative attracted youth, mostly from Masaka, Jinja, Wakiso and Luwero districts, who participated in a series of hands-on sessions held at Nile Vocational Institute, Kyambogo University and Bukalasa Agricultural College.
Across all training sites, emphasis was placed on practical learning, combining short technical sessions with live demonstrations and open discussions on challenges facing poultry farmers.
Participants were introduced to climate-smart approaches in poultry housing, feeding, brooding and health management, particularly in response to rising costs of feeds, drugs and other inputs.
Trainers also highlighted the importance of alternative feed resources such as azolla, duckweed, moringa, Russian comfrey and Black Soldier Fly larvae, as a sustainable response to increasing feed costs and climate pressures on conventional systems.
Energy-efficient brooding technologies and briquette making were demonstrated to promote reduced carbon footprints during poultry production. Sessions on pest and disease management, including vaccination demonstrations, were among the most popular, reflecting strong demand for practical animal health knowledge.
A youth participant, Sarah Namboozo from Wakiso district, said the training had changed her perspective on poultry farming.
“I used to think poultry farming required a lot of capital, especially for feeds, but I have learnt how to produce alternative feeds and manage costs. I am now confident I can start my own poultry project and earn a living,” she said.
The Academic Registrar of Bukalasa Agricultural College, Mr Stephen Galiwango, noted that most trainees showed keen interest in practical demonstrations, particularly on alternative feeding, brooding and disease prevention.
“Training young people to earn a living from agriculture will strengthen existing value chains and help tackle poverty and food insecurity,” he said.
Training institutions also expressed readiness to establish demonstration units and support organised youth groups to access facilities for continued learning.
The Greening the Chicken Value Chain Project aims to increase knowledge of climate-smart poultry practices among young people, enabling them to earn incomes independently while improving their livelihoods.
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