Guinea-Bissau ranks at 178th place among 188 countries for HDI (Human Development Index) and national statistics show that 80.4% of population live below the poverty line.

Political instability has compromised the development of economy, which depends on the primary sector. Subsistence crops prevail, but they are unable to meet domestic needs. 70% of the country’s exports are dependent on cashew, of which Guinea-Bissau is the world’s 6°producer. The major economic activity is agriculture, which involves 85% of population; livestock farming is underdeveloped, despite its undoubted economic and food importance.

Considered a country with high productive potential for its rich natural resources, it is actually the poorest in Western Africa. The main causes are the isolation of the area, due to the almost total absence of asphalted roads, the fragility of agricultural sector, the lack of productive factors (seeds, fertilizers, and tools), inadequate technology, low technical skills and improper storage, which leads to almost 5% of crop losses.

This project is the natural continuation and extension of the three-year operation carried out by Mani Tese from 2015 to 2018.

The project aims to help structure the poultry sector in Guinea-Bissau by promoting socio-economic opportunities in this supply chain.

1. Training and operative plan for social enterprises: We will carry out a study about the potential of poultry sector and its development strategy. Then, a training plan will be prepared for the strengthening of two social enterprises, structured with previous and now functioning projects – CEDAVES SARL e PIU PIU AWARA – by buying useful materials for the improvement of their work.
2. Support for micro-enterprises: support for four micro-enterprises linked to the poultry sector, in particular for the production of raw or processed materials used for the preparation of feeds. Each of these will be supported in terms of infrastructure and equipment during the course of the project. In particular, we will try to identify individuals who are able to work for the production and processing of fishmeal, oyster shell meal and peanut oil, components necessary for the feed, that people cannot find easily as finished products in the country.
3. Raw material analysis and formulation of the poultry diet: the University of Turin will conduct a study to examine local availability of feed materials and then the preparation of the feed formula. Then two companies will test it to verify its effectiveness.
4. Family Poultry Program (PAF): the programme will cover 90 family chicken coops (35 already established and 55 new). We will assist them with financing, technical support, building and restructuring of henhouses, supply of equipment, of raw materials and animals for start of production and through the organization of systems of consortium purchase for necessary raw materials.
5. The organization of fairs and exchange opportunities: we will organize a national fair every year. Moreover, we will plan an exchange visit abroad useful to make new experiences.
6. An integrated poultry farming course: The course (one per year for three years) will be reserved for young entrepreneurs, breeders, veterinary technicians and will last 60 hours, spread over 2 months, between theory and practice.
7. The managers updating of the General Directorate of Breeding and Agriculture Ministry: The Polytechnic of Bragança and the University of Turin will organize and carry out a theoretical and practical course.
8. Animal health and epidemiological surveillance: we will plan vaccination campaigns, twice a year, for both farm animals and those on extensive farms. We will also open four veterinary pharmacies.
9. The strengthening of professional associations: these are UPCA (poultry producers) and AIAI (veterinarians), which will receive training activities.