The Poultry Development and Extension Services (PDES) and the Animal Health and Development Center (AHDC), funded by the MSDG Diaspora Development Project, recently conducted a comprehensive initiative to strengthen the poultry value chain in The Gambia. The project included a three-day training program for poultry farmers and students from Gambia College, along with a half-day seminar for members of the Gambia Women’s Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) involved in poultry. The training covered topics such as hatchery production, nutrition, financial management, disease identification and diagnosis, waste management, biosecurity, and practical exercises like necropsies and farm visits. A total of 89 individuals and 20 women participated, significantly improving their technical skills and knowledge. The project’s impacts were substantial: farmers implemented biosecurity measures to protect their flocks from avian influenza, GWCC women successfully sold eggs and chickens at the 2023 Trade Fair, and stronger networks were established among farmers and students. These efforts have not only enhanced the participants’ capabilities but also contributed to building a more resilient and cohesive poultry industry in The Gambia.
