By Our Reporter 

Ngora District – Poultry farmers in Ngora District are discovering that the secret to transforming their farms into profitable businesses doesn’t lie in expensive equipment or complex techniques. Instead, it’s in a simple practice: record-keeping.

A recent training session organized by Cajila Africa Links Institute emphasized how keeping detailed records can help farmers optimize their operations, reduce losses, and significantly boost profits. The session was aimed at equipping local poultry farmers with the skills to track their flock’s growth, health, and production levels more effectively.

Julius Echodu, a sustainability trainer, shared how even the most basic record-keeping can be a game-changer for poultry farmers. “Keeping track of things like feed consumption, egg production, and bird health may seem simple, but it can tell you everything you need to know about the success of your farm,” Echodu said. “It allows you to make informed decisions, prevent losses, and ultimately turn your poultry business into a profitable venture.”

Before the training, many farmers, such as Joseph Francis Inyalio from Ngora Town Council, had never considered the impact of recording their farm activities. "I would just feed the birds, collect the eggs, and move on,” Inyalio admitted. “But after this training, I realize that without records, you're just running your farm blindly. Now I know I can track every step—how much feed I use, how many eggs I get, and if any birds are unwell. It’s made a huge difference.”

Farmers were shown how to record crucial information, such as feed intake, egg production rates, and bird health data. They also learned how documenting financial transactions, such as expenses and sales, can help with budgeting and financial planning. Henry Oboi, another farmer who attended the training, explained how these records could help them gain financial support. “I used to think I was doing okay, but I didn’t have a clear picture of my farm’s finances. Now, with detailed records, I can go to a bank and show them the performance of my farm, which opens up opportunities for loans or grants.”

The training highlighted that tracking small details can also help identify potential problems early on. By monitoring health and growth patterns, farmers can detect diseases or nutrient deficiencies before they affect the entire flock. This proactive approach helps prevent costly losses.

In addition, keeping accurate records can help farmers plan for the future. By reviewing production trends over time, farmers can adjust their strategies to increase efficiency and boost yields. “Tracking performance helps us plan better and make smarter decisions. It’s not just about today’s production, but ensuring the farm’s success in the long term,” said Echodu.

As Ngora’s poultry industry continues to grow, experts believe that record-keeping will play a critical role in transforming smallholder poultry farmers into competitive and profitable business owners. With the right tools and knowledge, Ngora’s farmers are now poised to take their poultry ventures to new heights.