Rise and Thrive: Giving Youth a Chance

Project Background

On 4 November 2025, Amani Transformational Foundation (ATF) launched the Rise and Thrive Poultry Initiative by providing 20 Kenbro improved chickens to the Inzonzi Kolaki Ta Group, which consists of five members.

The initiative aims to:

• Strengthen economic empowerment among vulnerable group members, particularly adolescents and teenage mothers.
• Promote collective income-generating activities.
• Encourage teamwork and shared responsibilities.

The project operates as a group-managed enterprise, where all members jointly manage feeding, sheltering, treatment, and monitoring of the chickens.

Type of Chickens Supplied

The group received 20 Kenbro improved chickens, a dual-purpose hybrid breed suitable for both meat and egg production under rural conditions. The breed is hardy and adaptable, making it suitable for community livelihood projects.

However, the batch included more male cocks than hens, which may affect the level of future egg production.

Project Duration and Growth Stage

As of 28 February 2026, the chickens are approximately four months old. Kenbro chickens typically begin laying eggs at 5–6 months, therefore it is expected that egg production has not yet started. The birds remain in their growth stage.

Current Project Status

• Total chickens received: 20
• Chickens currently alive: 20
• Age: Approximately 4 months
• Egg production: Not yet started

The group has demonstrated strong commitment through:

• Construction and maintenance of a poultry shelter
• Daily feeding using available resources and feed
• Regular cleaning and hygiene maintenance
• Rotational sharing of responsibilities
• Provision of treatment and medicines when necessary

All 20 chickens remain alive and growing, reflecting good management by the group.

Challenges Encountered

1. Poultry Disease in the District
A poultry disease outbreak has been reported in the district, and some project chickens have shown signs of illness. The group responded promptly by:

• Administering appropriate medicines
• Monitoring sick birds closely
• Limiting access to the poultry house
• Strengthening hygiene and biosecurity practices

Their response has prevented any mortality so far.

2. Financial Constraints
Most members of the group are currently unemployed or have unstable incomes, which limits their ability to:

• Contribute funds for poultry feed
• Purchase veterinary medicines promptly
• Manage unexpected project expenses

Despite this, members continue contributing what they can and remain committed to sustaining the project.

3. Gender Imbalance of Birds
The higher number of male birds compared to hens may reduce potential egg production and delay steady income from egg sales.

Positive Outcomes Observed

Despite the challenges, the project has achieved several positive results:

• 100% survival rate of all 20 chickens
• Strengthened teamwork among group members
• Improved knowledge of poultry management
• Increased awareness of disease control and biosecurity
• Enhanced group cooperation and responsibility

The group remains motivated and hopeful as they wait for the hens to reach laying age.

Recommendations

• Introduce broiler chickens in future phases to support quicker income generation through meat production.
• Provide veterinary support and monitoring, especially during the current district-wide poultry disease outbreak.

Conclusion

The Rise and Thrive Poultry Initiative continues to show resilience and commitment from the Inzonzi Kolakita Group. Although egg production has not yet begun due to the chickens’ age, all 20 Kenbro chickens remain alive and under active management.

Despite financial challenges and the ongoing disease outbreak, the group has taken responsible steps to treat sick birds and strengthen biosecurity. With continued support and monitoring, the project has strong potential to achieve its intended economic and nutritional benefits in the coming months.

• Rise and Thrive Success Story March 2026 (PDF)