WhatsApp Poultry Guru Empowers Malawi Farmers
Mzuzu Farmer's Free WhatsApp Training Takes Flight, Empowering Thousands of Malawian Chicken Farmers
MZUZU, Malawi-Armed with a smartphone and a passion for poultry, Moses Phiri from Mzuzu has become a beacon of knowledge for over 4,000 Malawian chicken farmers, writes Moses Thole.
His free WhatsApp training program, launched in 2020, is soaring high, equipping young farmers nationwide with the skills and resources they need to thrive.
Before Phiri's initiative took flight, many Malawian poultry farmers were grounded by a lack of basic knowledge.
Christopher Sandfore from Lilongwe recalls, "I was flying blind with my chickens. When they got sick, I scrambled to find solutions, spending a fortune on hit-and-miss treatments."
But Phiri's program changed the game. Using the readily accessible platform of WhatsApp, he delivers practical knowledge on:
Crafting nutritious and affordable feed: Utilizing local treasures like Moringa leaves and other readily available plants to create feed for both laying hens and hungry broilers.
Combating common chicken ailments: Identifying and treating diseases like fowl pox, gumboro, and the dreaded Newcastle disease, all with readily available resources.
Keeping pests at bay: Mastering natural methods to keep harmful insects away from their feathered friends.
The program's impact is undeniable. Samuel Changata from Nkhata Bay boasts, "Phiri's training made me a chicken whisperer! I'm now an expert in raising healthy birds using local resources."
And Thokozani Jere from Salina is ready to spread her wings, "I'm not just sticking to chickens anymore. I'm using Phiri's knowledge to raise guinea fowls too!"
But Jere also highlights a crucial need: "Soft loans would be a real game-changer for small-scale farmers like us. We can soar even higher with access to capital."
Phiri is no stranger to challenges. He battles copycats who plagiarize his materials and charge for the free training. However, his vision for the future is clear. He plans to:
Take his training to the next level: Video tutorials and picture guides will enhance understanding and accessibility.
Build training centres across Malawi: Providing a physical space for learning and fostering a community of empowered farmers.
Phiri's initiative is a testament to the power of knowledge-sharing and resourcefulness.
By equipping farmers with the skills and confidence to succeed, his program is not just boosting poultry production; it's building a brighter future for rural communities in Malawi.
So, the next time you hear the clucking of chickens in Malawi, remember Moses Phiri, the farmer who took to the skies of WhatsApp, empowering thousands to reach new heights with their feathered friends.