Selma Nandjila Nuuyoma is a poultry farmer in the Omusati region. Here, she shares her journey in business.
“Poultry farming is absolutely challenging and at the same time enjoyable. Being in your coop listening to the sound of cockerels crowing and trying to run away from you, hens clucking with some of them poking you and all sorts of sounds of your earthly fowls just teaches you that nature sure knows how to bring creation together.”
“My journey started in 2019 with just home-grown chickens of about 30 chicks that I had brooded (incubate in a machine) in one of my townhouse’s bedrooms. Eventually, the numbers increased and I realised that there has to be more than what I was exposed to by then. I, therefore, got into serious business. I bought a hatching machine to start hatching chicks, and also help other local farmers that want the hatching services.”
“By then, I had moved to my garage where I would brood them for up to four weeks before taking them to the farm which is +-50km west of Outapi town. One has to fall and rise, and be determined to learn, grow and progress. With the experience gained through the processes, I have added yet another flavour of Lohman layer chickens sourced from National Poultry Enterprises to start selling table eggs to the people in the community and feed my family.”
“As you read this, there are about 150 Lohmann layer chickens that lay enough for 2-3 trays of eggs per day, and I opt to increase the number as time goes on. I also have around 100 Boschveld chickens that I sell to my customers for slaughter.”
“Raising chickens comes with a lot of challenges with regards to diseases but a good track of vaccination keeps the diseases at bay (prevention is better than cure), as well as monitoring bio-security. Another obvious and unavoidable challenge is the rising price of feed that we buy from local shops. At times, the price would be double and you can›t ignore buying food as the babies (chickens) have to eat.”
“Being a poultry farmer on a full-time basis is every farmer›s wish and to be closer to the farm to take charge of every activity.”
“To fellow women: ‹Don›t get ready to start but, start to get ready›. Progress is certain when you start and every step taken will make a difference. Let›s be our own bosses and start feeding the nation through poultry farming.”
– Source: Women in Agriculture Namibia