June 16, 2022

Building resilience of poultry partnership actors to the avian influenza virus

Animal Production Related

Burkina Faso

Poultry production is highly developed in Burkina Faso and is the source of livelihood for many small-scale farmers. Today, this sector is one of the most dynamic in Burkina Faso, reflected by the interest and contribution of public authorities and development partners. The partnership between SOBUPRA and 2SCALE is part of this effort and aims to contribute to the development of the production and availability of local poultry meat through the production of local and improved chicks. It also aims to improve the marketing of poultry from the farms by creating a network of customers, processors and distributors. However, the poultry sector is facing serious challenges, stalling its continued development. One of the main causes identified for this is the presence of the highly pathogenic avian flu virus. After the 2006 and 2015 outbreaks, since November 2021, there has been a resurgence of the bird flu disease in several regions of Burkina Faso, with several outbreaks recorded. In view of the high mortality rate of poultry caused by this pandemic, the actors involved in the poultry partnership in the locality of Pô, which has been severely affected by the disease, are becoming more resilient. One of their objectives is to save the poultry partnership and ensure that it has a bright future.

More than 5,100 chicken deaths recorded among partnership producers

Characterized by an accelerated rate of contagion, the presence of the avian flu virus has led to a high rate of poultry mortality within the poultry partnership. In the opinion of Mr. Daniel Banhoro, principal coach at ASUDEC (Africa's Sustainable Development Council), SAE of 2SCALE (entrepreneurial support service) in the Pô area, it is estimated that more than 5,000 head of chickens have died in the Pô PEA due to the presence of this virus. It should be noted that this figure concerns exclusively local chicken varieties and does not take into account other breeds. However, official statistics show that 450,000 heads of poultry have been lost in the commune of Pô, all varieties included. Mrs. Fati ZONGO, a poultry farmer in Pô, explains:

It is with desolation and powerlessness that I saw my farm being emptied of its subjects. I recorded the death of 572 poultry including 49 guinea fowls. A tragedy that has strongly affected my income.

Like her, Mrs. Kawe OUEDROUI, confides:

I lost more than 100 chickens, all breeds included. Today, I have almost nothing because I had to incinerate as many chickens as possible to contain the disease.

Like these two women poultry farmers, Daniel YAGO, a poultry farmer in the said commune, also admits to having suffered from this disease. Affected twice, he realized the death of more than 500 heads of poultry and the contamination of 42 boxes containing 51 chicks acquired under the poultry partnership. He estimates his financial loss at 450,000 CFA.

Insufficient financing capacity of the Mutuelle d'Épargne et de Crédit (MECRA)

The avian flu epidemic has created a significant need for financing among farmers. The business support service (ASUDEC), which has a microfinance institution called Mutuelle d'Épargne et de Crédit (MECRA), has helped some poultry farmers recover. However, as the demand was increasing and faced with MECRA's limited portfolio, it was not able to respond favorably to all requests for financing.

Demonstrating resilience for the survival of the poultry partnership

To avoid the death of their poultry and bring the epidemic under control, poultry farmers in the locality of Pô have developed resilience by drawing on their experiences and officially accepted barrier measures. The disinfection of premises and equipment and the observance of biosecurity measures are well-integrated habits among them. Daniel YAGO, a poultry farmer in Pô, said in a humorous tone:

Having been hit twice by the bird flu disease, I have gained enough experience to deal with it. If there should be a third outbreak of avian flu, I will be spared.

However, the stupor remains and even tends to discourage the most risk-averse from reinvesting in their farms.

In view of the growing demand for local chicken, the poultry partnership intends to contribute to increasing the profitability of poultry farms and improving the income and living conditions of rural populations. To achieve this, the brave poultry producers involved in this partnership are committed to saving their farms from the infernal cruelty of the avian flu virus.

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