The chicken breeding project

Projektregion: Santa Maria de Cahabon, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala

Project duration: Pilot phase successfully completed. Now in Phase II rollout, planned duration: long-term (marketing, improvement of rearing, etc.)

Objective: Support for the local indigenous community in establishing their own "chicken production"

The thing with our chickens started quite harmlessly. We had space, a barn, enough feed, and even Frida and Nero, the farm dogs, who kept a watchful eye. But the enclosure became emptier and emptier. Emptier than the heart of a jinxed person. Our worker claimed with a serious face that Frida had eaten all the chickens – yet she couldn't even get into the barn! It was almost like a crime story, just without a real culprit. Was it a case of "chicken escape"? Or did the chickens simply have other plans?

Perhaps the chickens simply wanted to go on a world tour, we thought. Or they had secretly decided to pursue their careers elsewhere, perhaps at a market stall. In any case, our barn was emptying more and more. Ultimately, we now have 10 chickens out of 50. However, this number is stable, as it now becomes noticeable when one of the chickens gets "wanderlust".

After careful consideration, we decided to take a different approach. We are relocating the chicken farming to the villages. For where the community keeps a good watch, sudden chicken wandering becomes more difficult – and the feathers stay where they belong.

For the more neighbours who keep an eye on things, the fewer poultry will go missing. A touch of village policing and community oversight should help!

Corazon de Cacao – Chicken breeding project for food security and income enhancement

With Corazon de Cacao, we have now initiated an innovative poultry farming project that creates both food security and income opportunities in rural communities. In remote areas, we promote the construction of chicken coops that enable sustainable poultry keeping and marketing.

Our project partners on the ground utilise local feed resources to provide chickens cost-effectively, which reduces dependence on external feed and conserves resources. However, it is not yet possible to do without additional feed entirely. At the same time, we support them through vaccination programmes, training on marketing and long-term animal health, as well as improving transport chains. We do not require cold chains, as the chickens are sold live. So, everything is aimed at improving quality and market accessibility.

As this model is already successfully running with a community, we would like to expand it to other communities and are seeking support to provide the necessary infrastructure and training. Every donation enables us to offer more farmers the prospect of a secure, sustainable future through poultry farming.

Support our project and help make poultry farming a model for rural development!

Chicken farming in indigenous communities: More than just a source of income

The breeding of chickens plays a crucial role in the indigenous communities here, not only for food supply but also as a sustainable source of income for local communities. Here are the detailed benefits, challenges, and solutions for successful chicken farming. One positive aspect is that hygiene is improved when the chickens no longer live under the same roof as the people.

The advantages of the project in detail

1. Improved food security: Chickens provide high-quality proteins and essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. Eggs are easily digestible and offer families a versatile food source that also benefits children. As chickens grow quickly and lay eggs regularly, access to protein-rich food remains stable.
2. Income source with high demand: Poultry products such as eggs and meat are in demand in local markets, and even small stocks can generate a regular income. A structured plan that includes regular marketing alongside personal consumption improves income and reduces dependence on seasonal harvests.
3. Low acquisition costs and quick returns: Simple housing and affordable purchases make poultry farming particularly accessible compared to other animals like cows or pigs. Chickens start laying eggs after about 6 months, allowing for a rapid return.
4. Less land use: Poultry farming is resource-efficient and requires less space compared to other livestock. This makes chicken breeding suitable for smallholders with limited land ownership and easily integrates into small-scale agriculture.
5. Environmentally friendly feeding from home cultivation: By using self-grown fodder plants and agricultural waste, feeding remains ecological and reduces dependence on purchased feed. Self-sufficiency also strengthens resilience against market fluctuations and price increases.
6. Our chickens are originals: There are roughly two types of chickens in this area. Those that come from larger farms, the "industrial" chickens, or ours, which are called Criollo chickens here. The price for a laying hen is around 15 to 20 euros per chicken.

Challenges and Solutions

1. Diseases and health risks:
   • Solution: Vaccination programmes and regular health checks are crucial for preventing diseases. Farmers should have access to basic training and simple vaccines, which often incur only low costs but effectively protect the herd.
2. Infrastructure and access to markets:
   • Solution: The organisation of community initiatives that focus on shared transport and marketing helps to bring products to the markets. In this region, it is Coban where significantly better prices are paid. Through cooperatives, farmers can rent vehicles together, which simplifies marketing and increases yields.
3. Price volatility and competitive pressure:
   • Solution: Diversification helps to stabilise income sources. In addition to poultry farming, other products, such as vegetables or handmade goods, can also be marketed to broaden income security. Furthermore, training in saving and investing is useful to offset financial fluctuations.
4. Feed shortage and dependency:
   • Solution: Local feed cultivation provides a stable foundation. Local crops such as maize, millet, and soybeans are nutrient-rich and easy to grow oneself. Additionally, edible by-products from agriculture, such as leaves and skins, can be used for feeding to reduce dependencies and keep costs low.
5. Missing training and know-how:
   • Solution: Regular training on topics such as feeding, health care, and marketing is essential. Through partnerships with local organisations and the promotion of "Train-the-Trainer" programmes, knowledge and best practices can be anchored in the community in the long term.

Our Steps to a Successful Project

1. Planning and construction of chicken coops: The coops are simple and provide protection from the weather, predators (yes, they are here) and diseases. A solid construction using natural materials is cost-effective and efficient.
2. Healthy breeding foundation and access to vaccinations: The purchase of healthy animals and access to vaccination programmes are fundamental for successful breeding. Healthy initial stocks ensure a stable poultry breeding. As mentioned above, we only accept "Criollo chickens".
3. Utilisation of local resources for feed and water: The cultivation of fodder crops and the collection of rainwater are sustainable solutions. A mix of local feed and animal-appropriate food promotes healthy chickens.
4. Marketing and community initiatives: Collaboration with other farmers and the establishment of market structures, such as the regular farmers' market, facilitate sales.

Conclusion

This project offers great potential for indigenous communities to improve food security and create income. Through targeted investments in education, infrastructure, and health care (for the chickens), many of the existing challenges can be overcome. With our, as we believe, well-thought-out approach, the chicken project in the indigenous communities here on the ground will become a stable and sustainable source of income that strengthens communities economically and improves food security.