Zambia’s Poultry Industry Reels as Power Cuts Upend Buying Habits

Zambia’s poultry sector is facing one of its toughest moments yet, as relentless power outages disrupt the cold chain and reshape the way consumers buy chicken. What was once a smooth and dependable market has slipped into uncertainty, with ripple effects touching farmers, processors, and households across the country.

Source: zambianbusinesstime

The heart of the crisis lies in the failing cold-chain system. Poultry needs uninterrupted refrigeration from farm to table, but load shedding has made this nearly impossible. Freezers and fridges go warm for hours, and many families no longer trust their appliances to keep bulk purchases safe. Instead of stocking up as they used to, consumers now buy only what they can cook immediately — a shift that has caused bulk demand for chicken to drop sharply.

That change is creating a heavy backlog for farmers. Birds that should have gone to market weeks ago are lingering on farms, sometimes for up to three extra months. The longer they stay, the higher the feeding costs, the greater the disease risks, and the more cramped the housing becomes. Meat quality also suffers, putting farmers in an even tighter corner.

Small and medium-scale farmers are feeling the weight most. Many don’t have generators or alternative power sources to keep essential equipment running — from incubators and brooding lamps to ventilation systems. Without them, raising healthy birds becomes a gamble, forcing some farmers to scale back or suspend production. Those who rely on generators face rising fuel and maintenance costs, eating into already narrow margins.

Processing plants are fighting their own battles. Cold rooms, hygiene systems, and storage facilities all rely on stable electricity. With power so unpredictable, operating costs are climbing while demand continues to shrink, squeezing profitability across the value chain.

The broader economic picture is concerning. Farmers can no longer plan with confidence, uncertain whether the market will absorb their birds or whether power cuts will derail their schedules. Many are delaying new production cycles, worried they won’t break even. If the situation drags on, Zambia could see reduced supply and higher poultry prices — a blow to both producers and consumers.

The message from the industry is clear: the electricity crisis is no longer just an inconvenience. It is threatening a vital food sector and the livelihoods tied to it. Unless lasting solutions emerge, the challenges facing Zambia’s poultry industry may deepen, with far-reaching consequences for food security and the national economy.