Building export markets in West Africa is, quite literally, a chicken-and-egg issue. To capture the long-term feed demand from the region’s expanding poultry industry, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) is helping regional producers learn how to improve their businesses, which could include imports of feed grains and co-products from sources like the United States.
In May 2018, USGC and the Moroccan Federation of Poultry Associations (FISA) sponsored the first of three training programs scheduled this year for West African poultry producers, held in Casablanca, Morocco.
This training program brought together 13 poultry producers from Benin and Togo for a comprehensive training in broiler management and layer production techniques, coupled with practical hands-on training at FISA’s poultry training center. Trainees also participated in on-site visits to commercial broiler farmers, feed mills and slaughterhouse facilities.
“Driven by changing demographics, urbanization and changing consumption behaviors, a more modern and professional poultry industry is forming in Africa,” says Katy Wyatt, USGC manager of global strategies, who attended the program. “These trainings provide West African poultry producers with a vision for future development around which the industry can rally.”
More than half of global population growth by 2050 is expected to occur in Africa, with West Africa alone expected to account for 15% of this growth. Poultry remains the leading source of meat protein there, meaning modernizing and industrializing poultry farms in West Africa is an important component of food security.
