In a story that exemplifies perseverance, innovation, and community spirit, Gabriel David, popularly known as “The Chicken Guy,” has transformed his passion for poultry into a thriving business that’s making waves across Namibia. 

Starting his farming journey in August 2021, David’s unwavering dedication has not only expanded his enterprise but also set a shining example for aspiring young farmers.

David’s love for farming was sparked by his father, who inspired him to venture into poultry. “My interest in poultry grew from my father’s influence,” he shared. 

Over the past two years, his farm has blossomed from a small setup into a diversified enterprise. 

In 2023, Gabriel took a strategic step forward by entering egg production, broadening his market reach. Recognising the importance of knowledge, he attended several training programs and enrolled his brother in poultry classes to deepen their expertise. “Education is key. It’s helped us improve our practices and increase productivity,” he underscored.

Growth

Today, David’s farm hosts a wide range of birds, including Lohman Brown layers, marathon chickens, ducks, turkeys, guinea fowls, and pigeons. This diversification has not only increased his income streams but also demonstrated his commitment to quality and variety in poultry farming.

Also in 2023, David hired a second worker, a woman he describes as “a blessing” to his business. 

“She cares for the animals as her own. Finding responsible workers is one of the best things a business can have,” he affirmed. 

His team’s dedication has been instrumental in maintaining high standards of care and customer service.

With his poultry success, he reinvested profits into land acquisition and expanded into goat farming. Starting with just 25 ewes, his herd has grown to 70 goats, providing additional income and opportunities for local farmers.

Market Strategies

David emphasised the importance of marketing and quality service. 

“Be consistent and never stop talking about your business. Market it, aim for quality service. Good service naturally markets itself,” he advises. 

Despite setbacks, including losing over 300 chickens in a single week to disease outbreaks, he remained resilient. His strategic timing paid off when, in November and December, his chickens matured just as demand for meat surged in the north, earning him approximately N$10 000.

Reinvesting earnings into his farm, he purchased an additional 300 chicks for his second stock, reflecting his forward-looking approach. 

His story encourages fellow youth not to wait until they are 40 years of age to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. 

“Seek opportunities, leverage your skills and keep pushing. Nothing in life comes easy,” he urged.

Today, David’s Poultry in Onhuno stands as a testament to what passion, determination and continuous learning can achieve. His business supplies goats, chicks, chickens (both live and cleaned), pigs, ducks, and various other birds, serving as an inspiration to aspiring farmers and entrepreneurs alike.

His journey proves that with commitment and resilience, success in agriculture is within reach. As Namibia’s youth look toward the future, his story reminds them that the path to prosperity begins with a single step, taking initiative and believing in oneself.

-fhamalwa@nepc.com.na