Locally Bred Chickens Drive Rural Prosperity Across Africa and Southeast Asia

From the dusty farmlands of Africa to the lush villages of Southeast Asia, poultry farming is quietly reshaping rural economies. Chickens are more than just a source of affordable protein; they are becoming a lifeline for millions, putting nutritious eggs on plates, income in pockets, and hope in communities. Yet, the sector has long struggled with low productivity, fragile breeds, high chick mortality, and a lingering image problem—often dismissed as a small household activity rather than a viable business.

Source: ILRI

Determined to change that narrative, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) launched the Tropical Poultry Genetics Solutions (TPGS) initiative. Running from August 2022 to July 2025 in six African countries and three Southeast Asian nations, the program is introducing high-performing, climate-resilient chicken breeds tailored for rural realities. Beyond boosting farm output, TPGS places women at the heart of its mission, giving them stronger decision-making power, greater income, and improved household nutrition.

The initiative builds on the success of earlier genetic improvement projects, which proved that the right breeds can deliver dramatic gains—doubling or even tripling egg production and significantly increasing body weight compared to traditional local chickens. These advancements translate directly into better diets and stronger household incomes, enabling smallholder farmers to reinvest in their farms and secure their livelihoods.

Unlike imported breeds that often falter in harsh conditions, the chickens introduced through TPGS are bred for survival and performance in local climates, with natural resistance to diseases and adaptability to village feeding systems. Field trials in countries like Ghana are comparing the growth, egg yield, and survival rates of dual-purpose breeds such as Kuroiler and Hubbard against indigenous varieties, helping farmers make informed choices that match productivity with sustainability.

By blending advanced breeding science with community engagement, policy advocacy, and strong partnerships, TPGS is positioning poultry farming as a serious engine for poverty reduction and food security. In the process, it is rewriting the story of rural poultry—from a sideline activity to a powerful tool for economic empowerment in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.