On the 6th of February, 2025, the Broiler Farmers Network (BFN) organized a three-day program, Broiler Week 2025, themed “The Role of Broiler Farming in Reducing Unemployment, Malnutrition, and Achieving Zero Hunger.” The event brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, experts from the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and farmers to explore ways to improve broiler farming, enhance productivity, and ensure profitability in the face of economic challenges.
Day one opened with a pre-training session on healthy poultry practices anchored by the BFN chairman,Mr. Kolade Michael Olatayo, RAS, a Registered Animal Scientist, it was followed by the opening remark , where Dr. Heylni Sambo Yoksa, Chairman of the Advisory Council, reflected on the evolution of BFN from a simple WhatsApp group to a recognized association with government backing. His speech highlighted the network’s role in improving the livelihoods of broiler farmers and its commitment to further advancing the sector.
The guest speaker, Hon. Mariam Nna Fatimah, Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), delivered a keynote address where she offered valuable insights on accessing grants in the agricultural sector. She underscored the importance of proper documentation, proposal writing, and strategic networking for farmers seeking financial support, stressing that funding opportunities exist but often go untapped due to a lack of awareness or inadequate application processes.
The conversation on sustainable farming practices was further discussed in an insightful session by Professor Adeyina A.O. from the Department of Animal Science, University of Ilorin. He addressed one of the most pressing concerns for broiler farmers, the rising cost of commercial feed. Rather than viewing the hike in feed prices as an insurmountable challenge, he proposed alternative strategies to reduce dependency on expensive commercial feeds. He explained that while commercial feeds are formulated to meet optimal nutritional requirements, farmers could explore locally available ingredients to create cost-effective alternatives without compromising their birds’ growth and productivity. His session detailed methods for formulating high-quality feed using accessible resources, allowing farmers to cut costs and maximize profitability.
The discussion became even more engaging with the contribution of a major feed distributor in Kwara State, who provided an industry perspective on commercial feed quality. Acknowledging farmers’ concerns about rising prices, he elaborated on the nutritional advantages of commercial feeds, particularly their consistency in delivering balanced diets to poultry. However, he also offered practical advice for farmers looking to produce their own feed. Instead of sourcing all feed components separately, he recommended using concentrates, a more affordable alternative that allows farmers to mix their feed while still benefiting from essential nutrients.
The interactive nature of the event allowed farmers to engage directly with experts and policymakers, raising questions on critical industry concerns. Hon. Sulaiman Belle, Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Smallholder Farmers, responded to inquiries about government support for broiler farmers, particularly regarding market accessibility. He assured attendees that the state government remains committed to creating policies that will enhance the poultry sector and provide sustainable market linkages for farmers’ products.