Discover how digital solutions like eProd are transforming Africa’s poultry supply chains. Learn how to improve feed conversion ratios (FCR), access input financing, and boost smallholder farmer productivity with insights from sector expert Kristin Girvetz.
As Africa’s population grows and urban diets shift toward higher protein consumption, the poultry sector is emerging as one of the continent’s most dynamic and inclusive agricultural value chains. Yet, despite its immense potential, poultry enterprises face persistent challenges: volatile feed costs, limited access to finance, fragmented input distribution, and a lack of digital infrastructure to manage complex operations. At eProd Solutions, we are dedicated to helping poultry companies overcome these barriers by digitalizing their supply chains—from hatchery to outgrower—and enabling smarter, more inclusive, and profitable operations.
“We see poultry as a strategic growth area for AgTech in Africa. It’s fast-moving, data-rich, and deeply embedded in rural livelihoods. That’s exactly where digital tools can make the biggest difference.” Almut van Casteren, Strategic Lead, eProd Solutions
The Core Challenge: Rising Feed Costs and Inefficient Supply Chains
The number one challenge poultry companies face is the rising cost of feed, which can account for up to 70% of production costs. This issue is compounded by global grain volatility, local supply shortages, and a reliance on imported soy and maize in many African markets. Kristin Girvetz, Founder and Director of AgThrive, a leading agricultural consulting firm, confirms this critical issue. Efficiently managing inputs like feed and day-old chicks is therefore not just an operational goal, but a key determinant of profitability.
eProd’s poultry supply chain software empowers companies to manage the entire production cycle with precision. Our platform enables businesses to plan chick distribution, create and monitor vaccination schedules, track feed usage, and aggregate broilers or eggs for market. This level of control is essential for optimizing the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), a critical key performance indicator in poultry farming.
How Can Digitalization Solve Input and Finance Bottlenecks?
Even profitable poultry businesses struggle with cash flow and the upfront investment required for inputs. While input supplier credit and outgrower schemes have provided some relief, digital platforms like eProd are taking this a step further by enabling data-driven input finance. By creating a transparent and auditable record of a farmer’s performance, our system builds trust with lenders and reduces risk.
Through the eProd platform, companies can:
- Send automated SMS alerts to farmers about feeding patterns and vaccination timing.
- Calculate payments based on performance metrics like FCR and mortality rates.
- Automate loan deductions for inputs provided on credit.
Integrate directly with financial institutions to help farmers access working capital.
“We’ve designed our system to help poultry companies not only manage logistics but also unlock finance. When you can track inputs and performance digitally, you can build trust with lenders and reduce risk.” Almut van Casteren
Success in Action: Case Study from Mozambique
Novos Horizontes (New Horizons) is a pioneering poultry enterprise based in Nampula, Mozambique, with a strong focus on rural development and inclusive business models. The company works with a network of smallholder farmers, providing day-old chicks, feed, and veterinary support through an outgrower scheme.
Using eProd, Novos Horizontes has successfully digitized its input distribution and farmer payment systems, enabling more efficient planning, improved traceability, and greater financial transparency across its operations. The platform supports real-time monitoring of feed conversion rates and integrates with local financial institutions to facilitate access to working capital for farmers. In parallel, the company has introduced an outgrower model for feed production—helping stabilize feed availability and pricing while diversifying income streams. This approach not only strengthens farmer earnings but also secures market access for smallholders through a more resilient and inclusive supply chain.
“Novos Horizontes shows how digital tools can strengthen trust and accountability in outgrower models. Their commitment to farmer success is matched by their willingness to innovate.” Almut van Casteren
Empowering Women and Youth in the Poultry Value Chain
Women and youth are the heart of Africa’s poultry sector. As Kristin Girvetz notes, “Women dominate small-scale poultry production… Youth are increasingly entering the sector, especially through small-scale broiler production, which produces cash relatively quickly.”
eProd supports these inclusive models by enabling companies to equip women and youth as agents, vendors, and advisors, backed by digital tools and training. This approach not only creates entrepreneurship opportunities but also strengthens the entire value chain.
The Future is Digital: Adopting Technology for a Resilient Poultry Sector
While the benefits of digitalization are clear, adoption remains a challenge. Many poultry SMEs still rely on paper-based records, making it difficult to scale or secure financing. eProd addresses this by offering a modular, user-friendly system that grows with the enterprise.
Whether starting with basic digital record-keeping or scaling to full traceability and automated reporting, our poultry management tools support real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making. As the African poultry sector continues to grow, embracing digital solutions will be the key to building more resilient, efficient, and inclusive supply chains.
Ready to digitalize your poultry supply chain? Contact us today to schedule a demo and learn how eProd can help your business thrive.