Over 80 chicken rearers in Anosy Region have been given the opportunity to receive these potentially life-changing birds. Originally from India, these chickens are now thriving in Tanzania and have been brought to Madagascar by FAO to hatch chicks.
Lucette Vognentseva, one of the recipients, shared her experience with UN News at her home in Ifotaka town. She received five Kuroiler chickens, three females and two males, from FAO in November. So far, two of the hens have laid 46 eggs, and the third is expected to start producing soon.
These chickens are superior to the local breed as they grow faster, are larger in size, produce more eggs, and are more resilient to harsh conditions. Lucette is able to sell one of her eggs for 2000 ariary [$0.45], which is four times the value of a local chicken egg. Instead of eating her eggs, people come to her to purchase them for hatching. This is because the male offspring from crossing these chickens with the local breed are more profitable.
Lucette’s chickens are fully vaccinated and healthy, unlike those of her neighbors who roam freely and may carry diseases. She takes special care of her chickens by providing them with a coop and buying them food from the market.
The chickens have become domesticated and recognize Lucette. She is able to tell when they need food or water. Her advice to other farmers is to be brave and consider these foreign birds, as they bring in more profit. She plans to increase her brood in the future.
Lucette has become known as the “Foreign chicken woman” in her village, and people come to her for advice on how to care for these birds. FAO and WFP are working together to improve nutrition in Ifotaka and beyond by providing eggs and meat to the home-grown school feeding program run by WFP.