Poultry Farmers Struggle as School Feeding Cuts Reduce Egg Demand

Poultry Farmers Struggle as School Feeding Cuts Reduce Egg Demand. Botswana’s poultry sector is facing mounting pressure following changes to the national school feeding programme, which has sharply reduced demand for eggs.

According to the Botswana Poultry Association, schools across the country have scaled back their menus, focusing on a limited number of core food items amid budget constraints. This adjustment has significantly affected egg procurement, leaving producers with declining sales and surplus stock.

Association member Walter Sebate explained that the reduction in egg purchases has led to a steep drop in demand, hitting farmers across the sector. He noted that small-scale producers have been hardest hit, as many relied heavily on the school feeding programme as a key market for their products.

For these farmers, the programme represented a consistent and reliable source of income, helping sustain operations and livelihoods. With procurement reduced, many are now struggling to find alternative markets, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of smaller enterprises.

The situation highlights the broader challenges facing Botswana’s agricultural sector, where shifts in government programmes can have immediate ripple effects on producers. Eggs, once a staple in school meals, are now less frequently included, leaving farmers to grapple with reduced demand and uncertain futures.

Industry representatives have stressed the need for dialogue between stakeholders to explore solutions that can support poultry farmers while maintaining the objectives of the school feeding programme. Ensuring that local producers remain viable is seen as critical not only for the poultry industry but also for food security and rural economic stability.

The Botswana Poultry Association continues to monitor the situation, urging policymakers to consider the impact of procurement decisions on farmers and the wider agricultural economy.