Senegal Strengthens Poultry Industry Through WPF and Couvoir Amar Partnership

The initiative forms part of the Poultry Market Initiative (PMI), a programme designed to develop resilient and sustainable poultry value chains that contribute to food security, improved nutrition, and increased household incomes. Through its partnership with Senegal-based hatchery company Couvoir Amar, the programme has expanded day-old chick production while increasing outreach and support to poultry farmers in various regions of the country.

One of the partnership’s key achievements has been the steady growth in the availability of improved day-old chicks. As demand for quality poultry breeds continues to rise, increased production capacity is enabling more farmers to adopt modern poultry farming practices. Access to healthier and more productive chicks is playing an important role in boosting meat and egg production while helping reduce mortality rates that commonly affect traditional poultry systems.

The poultry industry has become an increasingly important contributor to Senegal’s economy and food supply. Poultry meat and eggs remain affordable and accessible sources of protein for many households, while poultry farming itself provides employment and income-generating opportunities for thousands of people, particularly women and youth. Industry stakeholders believe that expanding hatchery services and strengthening farmer support programmes will further increase domestic production and reduce reliance on imported poultry products.

In addition to hatchery development, WPF and Couvoir Amar have invested significantly in farmer training and technical support programmes. Extension officers and poultry specialists regularly engage with farmers through workshops, field visits, and practical training sessions aimed at improving farm management and production efficiency.

Training programmes focus on critical aspects of poultry production, including vaccination schedules, disease prevention, feeding strategies, brooding management, and housing practices. By equipping farmers with practical skills and technical knowledge, the initiative is helping producers improve flock health, increase productivity, and minimise losses caused by disease outbreaks and poor management practices.

The field support component of the programme has proven particularly valuable in strengthening the resilience of poultry farming operations. With access to expert guidance and ongoing technical assistance, farmers are better positioned to manage challenges and sustain long-term business growth.

Beyond supporting individual producers, the Poultry Market Initiative is also contributing to the development of a stronger and more integrated poultry value chain. The programme is improving collaboration between hatcheries, feed suppliers, veterinary service providers, farmers, and market participants, creating a more efficient and productive poultry ecosystem.

Couvoir Amar has played a central role in this transformation by expanding its hatchery operations and maintaining a consistent supply of quality chicks to poultry farmers. Working closely with WPF, the company has combined local industry knowledge with international technical expertise to deliver sustainable solutions that support the long-term growth of Senegal’s poultry sector.

Agricultural experts believe continued investment in poultry production has the potential to drive economic development in rural communities across the country. Poultry farming remains one of the most accessible livestock enterprises due to its relatively low entry barriers and faster returns on investment compared to many other livestock sectors. The industry also stimulates growth in related sectors such as feed manufacturing, veterinary services, transportation, processing, and retail markets.

As the Poultry Market Initiative continues to expand, confidence remains high regarding the future of Senegal’s poultry industry. Stakeholders believe that sustained collaboration between WPF, Couvoir Amar, farmers, and other agricultural partners will continue to accelerate growth, improve food security, and create lasting economic opportunities.

With growing investment, improved production systems, and a strong focus on farmer empowerment, Senegal is steadily positioning itself as an emerging poultry production hub in West Africa and a model for sustainable poultry sector development across the region.