Livestock Feed Limited launches first poultry distribution to farmers in Madagascar

MADAGASCAR – Livestock Feed Limited (LFL) has handed over its first batch of fully grown birds to small-scale farmers in Madagascar, marking the company’s latest move to support local agriculture and nutrition.

The birds, which were initially reared as day-old chicks under controlled brooder conditions at LFL’s facility in Madagascar, are now being distributed across rural communities. 

They are suitable for both meat and egg production, and are expected to help address nutritional deficiencies and income instability in underserved areas.

This initiative marks LFL’s latest expansion in Africa. A member of the Mauritius-based Eclosia Group, LFL already operates in Mauritius and Rwanda. 

It entered the Rwandan market in 2021 with a feed mill producing 1,000 tons per month, primarily for poultry. In Madagascar, the company is now taking a hands-on approach to empower farmers at the village level.

“These birds have completed their early growth phase in brooder units under controlled conditions and are now ready for village-level farming,” said the company. 

“Their introduction into rural settings is aimed at addressing widespread nutritional deficiencies, particularly by providing households with regular access to animal protein.”

In many parts of Madagascar, limited access to protein-rich foods like poultry meat and eggs has contributed to chronic malnutrition, especially among children. 

By placing birds directly with families, the program aims to improve diets and create lasting income opportunities.

“Even with just a few hens, a household can create a small but reliable revenue stream that helps cover basic needs and provides a financial buffer in times of crisis,” LFL noted.

The initiative is particularly inclusive, as poultry farming requires minimal land and capital investment. 

This makes it ideal for women and young people, who are often excluded from larger-scale agricultural ventures. Income from selling eggs and chickens can be generated daily or weekly, offering much-needed financial flexibility.

More than just a handout, the distribution is part of a broader strategy to build a sustainable poultry ecosystem. 

Farmers receiving birds are also enrolled in training sessions focused on disease prevention, feeding, and flock management. 

These skills are designed to help farmers maintain productive operations without relying heavily on external support.

“From hatchery operations at the LFL facility to the birds’ arrival at family farms, the initiative emphasises local resources, environmental practices, and minimal waste,” the company said.

The program is also expected to stimulate the local economy. As rural poultry farming grows, demand is likely to rise for feed, veterinary care, and marketing services. 

Organisers predict that this will open doors for small enterprises, including egg collection points and local retail networks.

To enhance self-sufficiency and food system resilience, LFL’s efforts in Madagascar align closely with national objectives around food access and rural income generation.

Livestock Feed Limited, which has been pioneering excellence in animal feeds in Mauritius since 1977, operates under the motto “Feed You Can Trust.” 

Its feeds are produced to ISO and HACCP standards using high-quality ingredients, supported by partnerships with global leaders like Mixscience and ADM.

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