The prolonged power cuts in Zambia have wreaked havoc on the country’s poultry industry, pushing costs for some businesses to astronomical levels, according to the Poultry Association of Zambia (PAZ).
Executive Manager Dominic Chanda revealed that the soaring energy prices, driven by the need for alternative power sources, have been a major contributing factor. Small businesses, particularly those involved in incubating village chickens, have borne the brunt of these rising costs, with many forced to shutter their operations.
“These businesses simply can’t afford the investments needed for alternative energy solutions,” Chanda lamented. “The result is a devastating impact on the sector.”
Compounding the industry’s woes is the reduced purchasing power of consumers. As families struggle to make ends meet, they’re increasingly opting to buy chicken on a daily basis rather than in bulk. This shift has put pressure on farmers to retain their flocks for longer periods, leading to higher production costs.
Despite these challenges, farmers have been unable to pass on the increased costs to consumers due to their limited disposable income. This has resulted in significant losses for the poultry industry.
“Those who have invested in alternative energy sources, which are considerably more expensive, are facing costs that are three times higher than before,” Chanda explained. “This means that every product produced comes at a higher cost, making price adjustments inevitable.”
