How we’re building resilience and prosperity by investing in women in the poultry value chain in Cameroon

In Cameroon, the poultry sector has traditionally faced numerous challenges, including limited access to quality feed, high production costs, and a lack of modern farming techniques. Many farmers struggle with low productivity and inconsistent supply chains, making it difficult to meet the growing demand for poultry products. Despite these hurdles, the sector holds significant potential due to the increasing urban population and rising consumer demand for quality poultry meat.

At "Koko'Chick", we pride ourselves on raising and selling fresh and smoked chickens under our brand "Koko’chick." What sets us apart is our commitment to traditional production methods that eschew chemical inputs, favoring locally sourced raw materials to create value for local farmers.

However, our impact extends beyond sustainable farming. We have implemented a unique distribution network in Douala, empowering women aged 24 to 58, many of whom have limited educational backgrounds and some of whom have never attended school. These women, whom we call our Koko’chick sales agents, receive essential sales training and encouragement to establish their own businesses as distributors of our chicken products, whether in their professional shops or at home.

To support their entrepreneurial journey, we provide them with necessary equipment, including new freezers, temperature probes, scales, invoicing books, and an initial stock of 50 chickens. This initiative not only enhances their livelihoods but also ensures that our products reach a wider audience.

They told us it wasn't possible

When we first embarked on our journey with "Koko"Chick", the odds seemed stacked against us. Stakeholders across the value chain, including authorities, veterinary services, and even potential clients, were skeptical about our vision to onboard women with no strong educational background, connect stakeholders of te value chain in an ecosystem where trust has no longer been present. They questioned the feasibility of raising chickens using traditional methods without chemical inputs and doubted the viability of empowering women with limited educational backgrounds as our primary distributors.

However, we were undeterred. Our commitment to sustainable practices and community empowerment drove us to persist. We faced numerous challenges, from securing reliable sources of local raw materials to ensuring the health and well-being of our poultry without relying on chemical inputs. Each step of the way, we focused on optimizing our processes and building a robust support system for our distribution network.

Today, we are incredibly proud of the impact we've made. Our Koko’chick brand is synonymous with quality and sustainability. By providing training and resources to our female distributors, we have not only created jobs but also empowered them to become independent business owners. This has had a ripple effect, improving their livelihoods and contributing to the local economy.

Our success is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation. Despite initial doubts, we have built a thriving business that supports local farmers, uplifts women, and meets the growing demand for high-quality poultry products in Cameroon. We have proven that sustainable farming and community-driven distribution models are not only possible but also highly effective.

Optimizing costs and maximizing returns

Investing in these women is not only a social mission but a strategic business decision. By tapping into their potential and providing them with the tools and training they need, we optimize our distribution costs and expand our market reach efficiently. This approach allows us to generate significant value from each dollar invested in our project.

Building a resilient value chain

Our model fosters resilience at every level of the value chain. From sustainable farming practices to empowering local women as business owners, we create a robust ecosystem that supports economic growth and community development.

Looking ahead

As we continue to grow, we are eager to attract investors who share our vision of sustainable development and women’s empowerment. By supporting "Koko'Chick", you are not only supporting a thriving business but also contributing to a larger social cause that transforms lives and communities.

Join us in our journey to build a resilient and prosperous future for Africa, one chicken at a time. We started in Cameroon, but our vision goes far beyond any country's borders.

To know more about our work, visit https://www.kokochick.bio/