Freetown — The Sierra Leone Research Into Use (SLRIU) with support from the Department for International Development (DFID) has in collaboration with the Agricultural Innovation for Development Sierra Leone, concluded a one-day validation workshop on poultry management for farmers and stakeholders in the poultry sector at the Mamba Point Hotel in Freetown.

The organization has embarked on a baseline assessment survey in which a highly experienced technical team was contracted to assess the current and future status of the poultry sector with specific reference to the production, marketing, consumption patterns, competitiveness and the importation of poultry products into Sierra Leone.

Country coordinator of SLRIU, David Sam Suale said his organization focuses on developing relationship between organizations so that the poultry sector can be enhanced for economic growth and development.

He said the validation workshop would create a positive impact on rural service providers as the research critically undertook a comprehensive desk review of relevant documents on national market dynamics, norms and standards and the role of the private sector in poultry management.

"It is our expectation that at the end of this meeting we would have identified opportunities for investment so that this sub-sector will make serious contributions to the gross domestic product of the country.

"Agricultural policy and development interventions will create a landscape that promotes the creative use of ideas, technology and information sharing; this will help to stimulate locally specific development action," he said, adding that the conference will create a relationship between his organization and various farmers' organizations.

One of the lead consultants, Michael Johnny said the demand for the consumption of poultry product has increased over the years but that the sector still continues to face challenges in the areas of capital and sustainable energy system.

"Feed, electricity supply, veterinary services and taxes levied on poultry products are some of the factors responsible for the low investment in the poultry sector in the country. The sector stands to provide job opportunities for both women and the youths if properly managed," he said.

He added that in a bid to encourage massive production of poultry products, government should relax all forms of taxations and that financial institutions should provide loan facilities to farmers.