A young boy who just started his poultry business with just five chickens in Gambia. He is a now successful businessman who supplies his poultry products to the  Gambia’s tourism industry. This is the story of Muhammad Sanyang, who now works to support others. He is working to support the Youth Empowerment Project. His business has expanded; now, he has more than 11,000 birds. The poultry industry grew in Gambia in 1966, becoming profitable in decades. Though the industry is still facing some problems, new investors can still take the initiative to build a profitable business by removing the current challenges.

“ A small country with a small population but with proper utilization of human resources, anyone can build an example of most profitable business.” 

Progress of Gambia’s poultry industry: The Gambia’s poultry industry has seen notable advancements since 1966. The industry is dominated by small-scale farmers, particularly in rural areas where they traditionally engage in backyard poultry farming.

Chicken production: The indigenous chicken population was estimated at 720,000 in 2007, and poultry production has continued to increase steadily. Production is estimated to grow to 1,960 metric tons by 2028.

Kusata Poultry Farm: This farm emphasises 100% organic products and has earned top customer satisfaction ratings among consumers.

Initiatives by the Government: The Gambia’s poultry market is poised to expand, driven by high demand for chicken and eggs fueled by a growing population and increasing tourism. Government incentives, such as tax relief and support programs, create a favourable environment for investment.

 As this country is small, a significant portion of the population in Gambia is still engaged in poultry farming. Most small-scale farmers engage in backyard operations, particularly in rural areas. The country’s estimated chicken population was about 720,000 in 2007. The great majority of these are indigenous chickens. There is a much lower number of exotic breeds, mostly layers and broilers, found mainly in the urban areas of Banjul and Kanifing Municipality. This industry is gradually increasing. It is estimated that production will reach 1,960 metric tons by 2028. 

Kusata Poultry Farm is listed among the major suppliers of poultry provisions in the Gambia. It is very well recognized because of its high-quality eggs and dressed chickens. Its production of quality eggs and dressed chicken highly satisfies many big hotels, restaurants, and homes throughout the country. It produces excellent quality for its products, assuring customers that all of its produce is 100% organic. It also sells its poultry products to local markets. The farm has earned prestige for providing fresh and the best quality poultry.

These successful organizations and ventures are inspiring, but small-scale farmers face problems. Let’s hear their stories about why they are facing difficulties. “There is a huge demand for poultry products in Gambia, but we don’t have the proper facilities to meet it. As we lack knowledge, we cannot use technology tools.” 

Many individuals express interest in poultry farming but often lack the requisite skills, knowledge, and capital necessary for initiation. The nation lacks the essential infrastructure required for a robust poultry industry. The Gambia relies heavily on poultry imports from the USA and Brazil, primarily because local production fails to meet demand. There is a shortage of quality feed and processing plants for feed production, adversely affecting poultry production, such as heat stress. Heat Stress diminishes productivity and fertility while simultaneously heightening vulnerability to diseases. Other problems, like alterations in precipitation patterns, droughts, and issues, can also constrain the availability of water resources. Weather patterns also negatively impact crop yields, affecting the accessibility and cost of feed ingredients.

Researchers stated that most farms harvest below 40% of their potential and use less than 4% of the possible processing capacity. If the full potential and some investment throughout the value chain were applied, then The Gambia could cover the nation’s demand for chicken and eggs. Tariff imposition would promote the chicken value chain’s upward transformation to employ at least 10% of the Gambian population, as believed by 88% of the value chain actors.

 There is high local demand for poultry products, especially eggs and chicken meat, with a population of about 2 million yields. Tourism also adds demand for high-quality poultry products. The climate and available natural resources create good conditions for poultry farming in the Gambia, promoting sustainable and efficient poultry production. The loan has been subjected to several inducements by the Gambian government for agricultural investments, including tax concessions and support programs. Thus, it becomes an attractive venture for investors. It is a relatively free poultry sector with only a handful of large producers. That is a considerable opportunity for aspiring new businesses to enter the market. The right investment in poultry farming can lead to very high returns; for instance, BSC Farms Ltd expects to produce more than 15 million eggs annually, translating into reasonable income.

 BSC Farms Ltd, founded in 2002 by Baboucarr S. Ceesay, is a world-class poultry privately owned in The Gambia. Its state-of-the-art facilities include battery cages for 25,000-layer birds, a deep-litter house, administrative offices, a feed mill, and solar-compatible power. This enables it to thrive under the technical expertise of Senegal’s SEDIMA. It targets to produce egg and broiler supply to an underserved local market that boasts about 60% poultry consumption. Its infrastructures remain intact, awaiting a prognosis of up to $7.5 million by the fifth year of operation. BSC Farms invites investment from three investors worth $350,000 each at a ten percent stake with ROI in 3-5 years. The funds are earmarked for high-tech equipment, vaccines, and delivery systems. Detailed financials are provided under NDA at BSC Farms.

 Integrating digitalised devices and methods can enhance the future of poultry farming in The Gambia. It is not a matter of increased numbers—it’s also a question of innovative modernisation. While digital technology is transforming agriculture worldwide, the incorporation of technology into poultry farming can harness farming practices to transform agriculture into a data-driven, efficient, and sustainable industry. Picture sensors monitoring temperature and humidity in barns around the clock, computerised feeding systems dynamically adjusting nutrition according to real-time data, and mobile apps that advise farmers on optimal disease prevention and biosecurity protocols. These will not only solve the inefficiencies but also reveal new paths to profitability and market growth.

It is an opportunity to create an environment that propels the entire industry forward, connecting yesterday’s world with tomorrow’s. These technologies will be integrated into systems that will cushion against the impact of phenomena such as heat stress and unpredictable water supply. It also offers a stage for intensive crop production through precision farming methods, thereby maintaining a stable supply chain from feed to poultry production. The ongoing Gambian government’s patronage of agricultural activities further substantiates this potential shift, with the potential for a symbiotic model of economic growth and technology integration.

By combining technology with centuries of expertise, The Gambia’s poultry sector can establish a regional benchmark. Those investors who finance similar digital transformations in similar cases today not only reap improved operating effectiveness and higher returns but also pioneer a sustainable model of development that will inspire other agricultural sectors in comparable markets. This vision-driven transition to a future driven by technology can empower farmers locally, enhance export value, and shape the nation’s future economic growth.

 The Gambia’s poultry sector presents significant potential for expansion. Increasing domestic demand, a conducive business climate, and motivating success narratives such as – Muhammad Sanyang and Kusata Poultry Farm. By confronting the challenges and capitalizing on the existing opportunities, investors can realize considerable profits and play a vital role in the nation’s economic progression. However, the poultry industry in The Gambia is a promising pathway for development and doing something exceptional through proper planning.

1. What was the approximate number of poultry in The Gambia in 2007?

Answer- The approximate number of poultry in The Gambia in 2007 was approximately 720,000 chickens.

2. What will be the poultry output in The Gambia in 2028?

Answer- The poultry output in The Gambia will be 1,960 metric tons in 2028.

3. How has poultry farming evolved in The Gambia?

Answer- Poultry production in The Gambia has expanded from backyard small-scale rearing to an organised industry, with the population of chickens rising steadily since 2007.

4. What are the drivers of the steady increase in poultry production in The Gambia?

Driving the increase are rising domestic demand for poultry products, such as eggs and chicken meat, and the growing tourism sector, which boosts demand.

5. What are the prospects of poultry farming in The Gambia?

Answer- The prospects of poultry farming in The Gambia are promising with increasing demand, government assistance and potential for further expansion in the sector.

6. Is the poultry sector in The Gambia being invested in by foreign investors?

Yes, the poultry sector in The Gambia is being invested in by foreign investors, with companies like BSC Farms Ltd inviting investment to expand production capacity and technology.

7. How can small-scale poultry farmers increase their levels of production?

Answer- Small-scale poultry farmers can increase production by investing in better facilities, adopting more progressive farming practices, and ensuring an uninterrupted supply of quality feed and vaccines.

8. What are the current challenges for poultry farmers in The Gambia?

Answer- Poultry farmers in The Gambia are facing challenges ranging from little infrastructure, no infrastructure at all, feeds being too expensive, heat stress, difficulty in managing diseases, and dependence on imports to address local demand.

9. What are the government incentives to encourage poultry farming in The Gambia?

The government of The Gambia provides incentives, such as tax allowances and agricultural aid schemes, to encourage investment and development in the poultry sector.

10. Why is there overdependence on imports of poultry in The Gambia?

Answer- There is overdependence on poultry imports in The Gambia because local production does not match the demand for poultry products, especially from the growing tourist industry.