Established in 2015, Platinum Agribusiness (PA) Ltd started its operations in 2018 with 5,000 layer-chickens and had expanded to a capacity of 40,000 layers by early 2024, with 40 employees (seven permanent). The current daily production capacity is estimated at 24,000 eggs, which are sold through its two distribution outlets within Kigali (Kimironko and Kicukiro). To meet the ever-increasing demand for eggs, PA is working on expanding production capacity to 50,000 eggs per month. To this effect, PA is working on increasing feed production, given the high costs incurred to outsource feed from external suppliers. Through the partnership with PA, CASA will demonstrate a sustainable and lower risk method to partner with farmers through a model that establishes a sustainable extension service system where PA can sell feed to farmers and increase security and accessibility of markets. Contact: frbatoni2@gmail.com

Supporting Access to Affordable and Nutritionally Improved Feeds by Smallholder Producers of Layers

PA is building a contract farming and offtake model for eggs to support smallholder farmers (defined as those having 5,000 chickens) with improved quality feed at competitive prices. PA plans to install a feed milling plant to produce high quality and affordable feed to supply smallholder farmers. The focus will be on smallholders located in the same district so that they benefit through coordinated access to markets and access to quality and affordable feed as well as capacity building in poultry rearing to enhance their production skills and feed management. Through this 12-month project that started in April 2024, CASA is providing both financial and technical support to PA to standardise feed production to meet local standards and develop smaller packaging sizes to avoid wastage, quality loss or expiry before use.

The total project cost of £213,648 includes £50,275 in CASA support: a grant of £34,315 to buy feed miller equipment and technical assistance worth £15,960 to establish a sustainable extension service system. Of the 800 farmers to be reached, 400 will have an outgrower model with PA and are projected to earn an additional £194 each per month, while those receiving feed only are expected to earn an additional £36.78 per month.