In rural poultry development projects, the possibility of producing day-old chicks (DOCs) which are viable for production and at a low cost is one of the key success factors for sustainability and economic viability. DOCs are difficult to transport from commercial hatcheries to isolated areas. It is therefore crucial to produce them in remote locations. The Microfinance and Technical Support Project (MFTSP) implemented by IFAD and Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) in Bangladesh has made possible for poor women to operate low-tech mini-hatcheries profitably, essentially by addressing the management constraints.
Mini-hatcheries are successful under the climatic conditions of Bangladesh, although some reduce or completely stop the operation during the winter period from mid November till February. An enabling economic environment is certainly key for the successful adoption of this technology. However, the challenge is its replication in other countries where there is a demand of chicks in rural areas. This can be achieved by adapting the technology to a wider range of climatic conditions.
[ Originally posted on http://www.cop-ppld.net/cop_knowledge_base ]
