05 Aug 2026

What started with high losses and little experience has grown into a promising income-generating venture for Kisa Village, thanks to perseverance, technical training, and stakeholder support.

The Kisa Village Development Committee (VDC) Poultry Project, established under the Constituency Community Projects (CCP), has overcome a challenging start to become a sustainable source of eggs and protein for the community.

The project began with 400 layer chickens. However, due to a lack of technical knowledge, more than half of the flock died, leaving only 180 birds. 

“We had no experience in poultry farming when we started, and we made mistakes that cost us many chickens,” said VDC Chairperson, Mr Sedwin Kgaudi, during the Tsabong District Council project tour recently.

The turning point came when the committee sought help from the Department of Veterinary Services. Support was further boosted by solar electrification funded in the 2019/20 financial year, and fencing completed through the Ipelegeng programme in 2023/24, which improved operations at the facility.

To build capacity, Tsabong District Council and the Department of Veterinary Services organised a one-day practical training session at White Rock Farms. Three VDC members attended. 

Mr Kgaudi said the training revealed that many of the early deaths were caused by overfeeding and dehydration from blocked water pipes clogged by algae.  “Applying the knowledge acquired during the training has significantly reduced chicken mortality and improved the overall management of the project. As a result, we have recorded fewer losses and improved profits,” he said. The project has also started sustaining itself financially. Income from egg sales allowed the committee to purchase 200 new layer chickens after the first laying cycle, without external funding.

Despite the progress, challenges remain as  Mr Kgaudi cited the rising cost of layer chickens, water shortages, and a dwindling committee with only four members left.

Currently, the project sells mainly to individual customers. Mr Kgaudi said venturing into institutional markets could boost income and sustainability. Tsabong District Council Chairman, Mr Elias Motlhanke, encouraged the committee to approach Kisa Primary School to supply eggs directly.  “Council promotes initiatives that enable community projects to supply schools directly, instead of relying solely on the tendering system. Such arrangements create a stable market while supporting local economic development,” Mr Motlhanke said. ENDS