Chema Chema, Thuo Letlotlo Hatched Surge in Small-Scale Poultry Farmers &#8211; Business Botswana

Poultry sector injects P3 billion into economy, sustains 25,000 Jobs Botswana’s poultry industry is emerging as a crucial pillar of the national economy, contributing an estimated P3 billion annually to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supporting about 25,000 jobs across the value chain, according to a new study by Business Botswana. “The sector’s estimated contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is P3 billion annually. The industry plays a critical role in Botswana’s agricultural and economic landscape,” the report states. Per capita egg consumption stands at about 90 eggs per year, while meat consumption is approximately 23 kilograms per person. “These figures reflect growing demand and underscore the sector’s significance in enhancing food security and contributing to national development,” the study notes. The report estimates that the poultry sector directly supports 25,500 jobs, with 20,000 of those in the small-scale segment. “Government initiatives such as the Chema Chema Fund and Thuo Letlotlo have helped increase the number of small-scale farmers. These operations contribute approximately P1 billion to the GDP,” the study says. Small-scale operations place around 14.5 million Day-Old Chicks (D.O.C) annually, but their productivity is often constrained by high mortality rates, estimated at 15%, due to suboptimal rearing conditions. Despite these challenges, the report says small producers remain vital to food security and rural livelihoods. Production Trends in 2024 The study provides detailed insights into the 2024 production trends of Day-Old Chicks. The highest D.O.C. output was recorded in October at 3,625,290, while the lowest was in May at 2,918,798. The first quarter showed a steady increase, reaching 3,317,688 in March. However, a dip followed in April (3,031,167) and May, attributed to a shortage of hatching eggs caused by Avian Influenza outbreaks in South Africa. The last quarter reflected a recovery, with September, October, and December each exceeding 3.25 million chicks. In terms of monthly trends, the number of D.O.Cs hatched started at 53,188 in January and peaked at 82,757 in November, indicating consistent growth. The production of Point of Lay (POL) birds followed a similar pattern—starting at 60,156 in January, dipping to 28,026 in June, and rebounding to 63,275 in September and 58,988 in October. “The trends indicate increased productivity toward the end of the year, suggesting that there is still available capacity to meet future demand,” the report states. Resilience Amid Challenges The report notes that the poultry industry has demonstrated “resilience and growth” across various areas, including broiler and layer hatcheries, feed production, and meat and egg production. “Despite external biosecurity threats, the sector has shown adaptability, positioning itself for continued development,” the study says. Given its role in job creation, food security, and GDP contribution, the report concludes that “ongoing government support remains critical.”

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Chema Chema, Thuo Letlotlo Hatched Surge in Small-Scale Poultry Farmers – Business Botswana

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