Studying Genetic Gains of Dual-Purpose Poultry
Smallholder poultry farmers in Africa often struggle with low productivity and breeds that are poorly adapted to local conditions. While poultry is an important source of food and income, past attempts to introduce high-producing breeds from other regions failed to meet the realities of smallholder systems. To address this, the World Poultry Foundation (WPF), the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and local partners launched a long-term effort to identify and promote dual-purpose poultry (DPP) that are both productive and resilient in rural environments.
With funding from the Gates Foundation, ILRI and WPF tested dual-purpose breeds in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania, evaluating their performance and farmer preferences. The trials demonstrated the potential of DPP to provide more eggs and meat while remaining well-suited to local conditions, showing how genetic improvements could unlock greater food security and income opportunities for farming families.
Building on this foundation, WPF supported additional research in Kenya and Ghana with ILRI and national partners. These studies compared different strains under varying production systems and agroecological zones, confirming the adaptability and farmer-preferred traits of improved breeds. Farmers consistently favored the new chickens for their growth, productivity, and resilience.
This research laid the groundwork for WPF’s Poultry Multiplication Initiative (PMI), which now scales access to dual-purpose poultry through private-sector partnerships. By combining genetic advances with sustainable business models, the initiative is improving livelihoods, strengthening household nutrition, and reshaping smallholder poultry production across Africa.