The global poultry industry is set to soar in the next decade, with poultry meat taking nearly half of the global meat market by 2031, according to the latest Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development/Food and Agriculture Organisation Agricultural Outlook.
According to the latest issue of the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) newsletter, the shift towards poultry, driven by a preference for white meat in high-income countries and its affordability in middle and low-income countries, is predicted to strengthen even further.
According to Poultry World, “poultry meat consumption has risen in virtually all countries and regions with consumers attracted by lower prices, product consistency and adaptability, as well as higher protein/lower fat content”.
This projected expansion of the global poultry market is an opportunity for producers in countries like Namibia and South Africa to grow their industries and create export markets.
The founder of the FairPlay Movement, Francois Baird, says: “We should not let this opportunity to create jobs pass us by. The global poultry market is growing rapidly.
“For South Africa to create new jobs and benefit from this growth we need to ensure basic services, such as electricity and water, are provided to farmer, and that local markets are defended against dumping.”
As a way of promoting poultry production in Namibia, the Poultry Producers Association (PPA), an affiliate of the NAU, will hold a roadshow in southern Namibia this week.
The roadshow will be held from today until Friday with the aim to encourage more participants in the sector, to create job opportunities for themselves, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic during which thousands lost their livelihoods.
This is a follow-up on the successful roadshow the PPA held last year with Agribank in four northern regions – the Ohangwena, Oshana, Omusati and Oshikoto regions – in which more than 500 potential and current poultry producers participated.
During the show Agribank officials explained the different loan products the financial institution offers farmers, women and young people.
“Following the success in the north and the demand for information, another roadshow has been scheduled for the south. Potential and current poultry producers should not miss this opportunity,” said NAU agricultural economist Bertha Iyambo.
She said the roadshow will start at Keetmanshoop, moving to Mariental and Rehoboth, before ending in Windhoek on 17 March with a members’ meeting and information day.
