07 Jan 2019

Unemployment has compelled some young people to think outside the box in order to flee the fangs of poverty.

One of such is Mr Phemo Moduke of Otse and holds a Certificate in Computer Studies and Diploma in Theology.

He set up a quail egg production in Good Hope.

Mr Moduke said in an interview that while doing research, he came across quail farming and instantly became interested in undertaking the egg production project.

The 26-year-old said he learnt that the business was doing well in Zambia and South Africa.

He said he was helped by Bishop Benjamin Henry of Botswana Church of Missions to fund the business and provide a place to keep the birds.

Mr Moduke said the business started in 2017 with 50 birds and now had 120.

He explained that the quail egg production was risky because the product was still new to Batswana, adding that quail eggs had nutritional value.

Mr Moduke said quail eggs  contained more protein, phosphorus and iron, which were vital and helped in managing diseases such as TB, asthma, diabetes as well as male potency.

The quail bird originated from places such as Brazil, Japan and the European region and in Setswana it is called magaripana. 

With the infamous failures of poultry projects in Good Hope and surrounding areas, Mr Moduke found quail farming more manageable compared to keeping chickens.

He said quails consumed the same food as chickens; layers mesh and growers, however they grew more quickly and had more egg production, which could be around 80 to 100 eggs a day.

He said the challenges he faced were that the birds could be a great target for predators and also that many people were still not familiar with the products.

He was however hopeful that quail bird farming could become popular in Botswana in the future.

Mr Moduke planned to diversify his bird farming to include other birds such as guinea fowl and turkey. ENDS