Poultry Pioneer Triumphs Despite Adversity in Tses
In the remote village of Tses, Namibia, amidst the harsh conditions and limited resources, a determined poultry farmer named Johannes Tjidonu has defied the odds and emerged as an beacon of hope. Johannes’ journey began with a dream to provide his community with access to affordable and nutritious poultry products. Despite facing skepticism and limited support, he persevered, setting up a small-scale poultry farm in 2018. The challenges were immense. Tses lacked adequate infrastructure, reliable electricity, and a consistent water supply. Johannes had to rely on his own ingenuity and the support of a few dedicated individuals. Undeterred, Johannes embarked on a relentless pursuit of knowledge. He consulted with agricultural experts, studied online resources, and sought guidance from fellow farmers. Gradually, he gained invaluable expertise in poultry management. With meticulous care and attention to detail, Johannes nurtured his flock, ensuring their health and well-being. He sourced high-quality feed from neighboring villages, implemented strict hygiene protocols, and created an optimal living environment for his birds. As the flock grew, so did the demand for Johannes’ poultry products. Word of his nutritious and affordable eggs and meat spread throughout the surrounding area. Soon, Johannes was supplying to local households, guesthouses, and even restaurants in larger towns. Johannes’ success has not only transformed his own life but also inspired others in Tses. By proving that it is possible to overcome adversity and build a viable business in a remote rural area, he has become a symbol of hope and resilience. Today, Johannes’ poultry farm is a thriving enterprise, providing employment opportunities and a vital source of income for the community. It stands as a testament to his unwavering determination, the power of education, and the transformative potential of agriculture in even the most challenging of circumstances.Tses resident overcomes setbacks to build thriving poultry project
Tses resident overcomes setbacks to build thriving poultry project
Alinda Apollus, a resident of Tses village in the south, has faced numerous challenges in her life, but she has never given up on her dreams. Despite losing her poultry business to strong winds and animal rustling, she persevered and found ways to rebuild. Apollus started her poultry project in 2019 with 250 laying hens, 100 chickens, 17 horses, and other livestock. However, a storm destroyed her main structure, forcing her to build a smaller one. This led to an outbreak of illness that killed most of her chickens. To make matters worse, she lost most of her animals to theft and lack of pasture. Undeterred, Apollus sought help from the Beersheba constituency office, but her request for materials to build a suitable structure was denied. Despite this setback, she enrolled in online courses and earned a certificate in elementary education. She also diversified her business by selling daily household items from home. Apollus currently runs a public transport company and owns a minibus. She has also acquired new laying hens and built a new breeding structure. In addition, she purchased an incubator that allows her to produce 65 chicks at a time. She sells the chicks to the community at affordable prices. Apollus has also planted winter crops such as garlic, onion, beets, cabbage, and potatoes. She plans to use some of the harvest for self-consumption and sell the rest to local schools. In her quest to never give up, Apollus approached the Hardap Inland Aquaculture Centre to learn about aquaculture. She hopes to build breeding ponds and raise fingerlings as a way to earn an additional income. Apollus encourages unemployed citizens of Tses to think outside the box, be innovative, and turn challenges into opportunities. As she says, “Fall seven times, get up eight.”
Poultry Farmer Defies the Odds in Tses
Despite the challenges faced by poultry farmers in the arid Tses area, one farmer has managed to turn his passion into a thriving business. Samson Matheus started his poultry farm in 2014 with just a few hundred chicks. However, through sheer determination and innovative farming techniques, he has grown his operation to over 10,000 birds. Matheus uses a unique water-saving system to keep his birds hydrated in the harsh Tses climate. He also employs a natural feed mix that reduces feed costs and improves bird health. “The conditions in Tses are not ideal for poultry farming,” Matheus said. “But I believe that with the right techniques, it is possible to overcome the challenges.” Matheus has been able to create a sustainable business that provides income for his family and employment for several community members. His farm also serves as a valuable food source for the local community. “I’m proud of what I’ve been able to achieve,” Matheus said. “I want to show others that it is possible to succeed in agriculture, even in difficult conditions.” Matheus’s success has inspired other aspiring poultry farmers in the Tses area. He has provided mentorship and support, helping to build a thriving poultry industry in the region.