Feathers of Resilience: Poultry Farming as a Climate-Smart Solution

Abstract

Climate change is progressively jeopardizing global food systems particularly semiarid agricultural regions in sub-Saharan Africa. Poultry farming offers a practical and effective climate change adaptation strategy. It provides a low-emission, high-yield alternative to traditional livestock, requiring minimal land, water, and capital. Poultry farming ensures a steady source of income, nutrition, and resilience for both rural and urban farmers. This study involved field experimentation at Daystar University, a leading private university in Kenya for over a seven-month period, observing a poultry system comprising 1,500 layers and 10,600 broilers. Layers were raised in batterycages and broilers were managed under a deep litter system. Day-old chicks were sourced externally and brooded on-site until maturity. Over the study period, five broiler production cycles and one laying cycle were observed. Layers consumed an average of 125g of feed and 75ml of water daily, producing 62.5g of manure per bird per day, which was utilized for vegetable farming. The project demonstrated a 28.70% return on investment, affirming poultry farming as one of the most profitable and sustainable agricultural enterprises in semi-arid areas. By enhancing food security, supporting gender-inclusive livelihoods, and reducing environmental impact, poultry farming proves to be a climate-smart solution with broad socioeconomic and ecological benefits.