Hubbard, a global leader in poultry genetics, has partnered with local agribusinesses WAFAD Group in Ghana and Maëva Group in Mozambique to launch an ambitious new initiative funded by the Gates Foundation. This five-year program aims to improve rural livelihoods and food security in sub-Saharan Africa by expanding dual-purpose poultry systems.
The project will facilitate the production and distribution of 10 million high-quality dual-purpose chickens to 500,000 small-scale farmers, with a particular focus on empowering women and youth in underserved rural communities.
Known as ‘Chicken4U’ in Ghana and ‘Caferial Chicken’ in Mozambique, the initiative plans to establish over 4,000 brooder units, expand hatchery capacity, and improve access to quality feed and vaccines. These efforts aim to create sustainable micro-enterprises that can drive economic growth at the local level.
Small-scale poultry farmers participating in the program will receive hands-on training, veterinary support, and affordable inputs designed to boost productivity and income, while also helping to combat malnutrition by increasing access to affordable, high-protein food.
Olivier Rochard, Managing Director of Hubbard, expressed pride in being selected by the Gates Foundation to support these critical projects. “By building local supply chains through strategic partnerships and providing superior genetics and support, Hubbard aims to make poultry farming a reliable and profitable livelihood—even in the most remote villages,” he said.
The initiative is projected to deliver transformative outcomes, including:
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Reaching 500,000 households across Ghana and Mozambique
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Distributing 10 million chickens for meat and egg production
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Generating substantial income growth for women- and youth-led micro-enterprises
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Providing affordable, nutritious food to rural families
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Strengthening resilience through local feed production and vaccine availability
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Enhancing the capacity of local companies via training from Hubbard
With a strong focus on sustainability, the program is designed to build scalable, profitable poultry ecosystems that will continue thriving beyond the five-year timeline. This effort supports the Gates Foundation’s wider goal of supplying 200 million day-old chicks annually across sub-Saharan Africa, helping to secure food systems and improve livelihoods throughout the region.