Kericho: What began as a small poultry venture has developed into a flourishing agribusiness for Patrick Bungei of Soko Huru, Soliat Ward, Soin Sigowet Constituency, who is now expanding into goose keeping to enhance his farming income opportunities.
According to Kenya News Agency, Bungei embarked on his farming journey after completing his Form Four education. He has since acquired practical skills in poultry keeping and other agribusiness activities, which have become crucial for his family’s livelihood. His household members also contribute to various farm activities, underpinning the farm’s success.
Over two years ago, Bungei initiated his poultry farming with a modest number of birds. As he gained insight into poultry management and market dynamics, he gradually expanded his enterprise. He now raises different chicken varieties, including layers, broilers, and improved Kienyeji, with both egg and meat production bolstering his income. Bungei asserts that starting small allowed him to learn effective bird management before scaling up the enterprise.
Poultry farming, he emphasizes, demands dedication and meticulous management, especially in feeding, disease prevention, hygiene, and housing. He advises farmers to closely monitor their birds, as inadequate feeding, disease outbreaks, and unsanitary conditions can impair production and escalate costs.
Despite the potential of poultry farming, Bungei identifies rising feed costs as a significant challenge, along with diseases and market price fluctuations affecting profitability. Farmers must manage production costs and secure reliable buyers for their poultry products to sustain their businesses.
To diversify his agribusiness, Bungei has ventured into goose keeping, a relatively new endeavor with growth potential. Currently maintaining a small flock, he plans to expand gradually after acquiring more management experience and identifying a stable market. Bungei stresses the importance of understanding a new enterprise before making substantial investments to minimize losses and better comprehend market trends.
In addition to poultry and geese, Bungei participates in various agribusiness activities that complement his farming enterprise, offering additional income opportunities. He advocates for diversification to mitigate risks, particularly when facing high input costs, diseases, or unfavorable market prices.
Bungei encourages young individuals interested in agriculture to approach it as a business rather than just a means of subsistence. He believes success hinges on patience, knowledge, proper planning, and reinvesting profits rather than starting with significant capital. By leveraging available resources, aspiring farmers can gradually build their enterprises.
As Bungei seeks to expand his poultry venture and explore goose rearing, he aims to transform his farm into a larger commercial agribusiness. His journey illustrates how farmers can start with limited resources, gain practical experience, and progressively diversify their activities to achieve sustainable agricultural livelihoods.
