Over 150 small-scale poultry farmers in Lilongwe have received a major boost through an empowerment initiative launched by Malawi’s leading poultry producer, Central Poultry (CP), which aims to build resilience in modern poultry farming and address the country’s growing demand for chicken.
Through the initiative, farmers from Area 23, Area 18, Njewa, and Chitedze will receive chicks, vaccines, feed, and ongoing technical support.
CP’s Head of Marketing, Mike Makwakwa, said the support package is part of a pilot phase designed to transform Malawi’s poultry sector by empowering local farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in commercial farming.
“This is a pilot phase. We want to build resilience in modern poultry farming and help Malawi meet its growing demand for chicken,” said Makwakwa.
He further explained that once the chickens mature, farmers will have the option to either sell them back to CP for slaughter and packaging or sell them independently at market price.
“Our long-term goal is to expand this initiative to other districts, targeting not only individual farmers but also vulnerable groups and community-based organizations,” added Makwakwa.
The selection of beneficiaries is being done in collaboration with local chiefs and agricultural extension workers to ensure that the support reaches deserving individuals and communities.
One of the beneficiaries, Josephine Kambanizithe from Area 23, hailed the technical support, saying she had struggled for years to raise chickens profitably.
She believes that with the help provided through this initiative, she will finally achieve significant financial returns from poultry farming.
The program comes at a time when Malawi’s poultry industry faces multiple challenges, including rising feed costs and limited access to markets. By bridging these gaps, CP hopes to stimulate local production, improve livelihoods, and create a sustainable poultry value chain across the country
