Piloting a Technology Transfer Model: A Case of the UNZA ATDC promoting village chicken production among small holder farmers in Luanshya District of Zambia

Abstract

Agricultural technology transfer plays a critical role in enhancing agricultural productivity for smallholder farmers. The Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centre (ATDC) of the University of Zambia piloted a project on a technology transfer model for the village chicken technology and demonstrated the role of a university in technology transfer. An Industry Strategic Plan for the village chicken value chain formed the strategic entry mechanism A technology transfer model comprising 4 stages was applied in the study. Data collected included the number of farmers, the number of chickens reared and marketed,  dress weight, gross margins, and the total number of farmers that adopted best practices. A total of 423 farmers (68.3% female and 31.7% males) were in the project area with 195 (68.2% female and 31.8% males) rearing chickens. Chickens from the 1^st batch to the 4^th batch increased from 2196 to 2646 birds. Marketed birds increased from 1442 to 1728 from the 1^st batch to the 3^rd batch. Numbers dropped in the 4^th batch due to COVID-19-related challenges. The average bird weight marketed was 2.5 kg, 2.6 kg, 2.63 kg, and 2.5 kg, in respective batches. Higher selling weights were obtained within a period of three months compared to six months when the traditional production system was applied. Gross Margin analysis revealed the best option (37%) for farmers was to hold the birds for three months under an improved production system (feed, vaccination, and medicines). More farmers adopted improved husbandry practices which included feed, vaccination, and medication than other technology packages