Farmer Spotlight: Ufaysie Hankebo

"If you're looking for a way to bring about change in your life, consider chicken farming by taking a look at my example."

Ufaysie was born in Damot Lashu, a small town in the Wolayta zone of Ethiopia. Her upbringing was in a modest family without many luxuries. Ufaysie and her husband navigated these challenging circumstances together, raising their five children. Their family didn't even possess a farm bull of their own, relying on communal farming efforts to make ends meet. She vividly recalls the tough living conditions of the past, stating, "It was a very trying time; there was no one to greet us. We lived in a traditional mud house, which often had leaks and was barely habitable."

In 2011, she began her chicken farming business by raising two native Habesha (indigenous) chickens in her house. However, a turning point came when she received advice from individuals who recommended transitioning from traditional Habesha chickens to foreign (ferenje) chickens provided by EthioChicken. Following this advice, she acquired 30 chickens, consisting of 15 males and 15 females, and constructed a chicken coop. To cover all the associated expenses, she used the earnings from selling teff grain obtained through communal farming.

Their initial venture into chicken farming started with only a few chickens. Eggs soon became their primary income source, and Ufaysie explained, "Once we noticed that our hens were laying eggs every day, we started saving them. Every week, we took them to the market, earning 500 ETB." As the male chickens grew, they were sold for around 12,600 ETB.

The financial stability gained through chicken farming wasn't the end of their journey; it marked the beginning of a brighter future. With the income from selling eggs and chickens, Ufaysie and her family diversified their investments. They ventured into cattle farming, starting with the purchase of a single heifer cow. Over time, their cattle assets grew to three.

The benefits began to accumulate. One profound change was their ability to provide their children with a quality education. Notably, one of their children is currently pursuing a university degree. As Ufaysie affirms, "Our primary aim when we started this chicken venture was to educate our children and secure their university education. One of them is already attending university, and our younger daughter is in the 12th grade. We've made great strides in educating our children."

However, Ufaysie acknowledges that their journey had its challenges. She recalls the significant costs associated with buying feed for the chickens. Yet, they managed their expenses wisely, ensuring that the money they earned from their poultry business was put to good use.

The family's diet has also significantly improved. Thanks to their higher income, they can now access a wider range of foods. They have started to enjoy chicken, eggs, and milk which were previously considered luxuries. Ufaysie elaborates, "We've experienced significant nutritional benefits through this business. For instance, we use chickens for eggs and roosters for special occasions like New Year, Christmas, and Easter." Achieving self-sufficiency in food production has further enhanced their overall quality of life.

The income generated from their chicken farm serves multiple purposes, including contributing to her traditional community monetary savings groups (ekub and eder) and enabling personal spending. This newfound financial independence is empowering for Ufaysie, as it allowed her to manage her finances independently, without relying on her husband. Additionally, they have transcended their previous limitations in terms of lifestyle, now being financially self-sufficient and covering all their social expenses with the income from their chicken farming.

Looking ahead, Ufaysie shares her future plans: "Now there are 10 egg-laying chickens, so for the coming months, we plan to increase them to 50."

She highlights the significance of community and mutual support, emphasizing, "We come together and assist one another." She motivates others with a compelling message, saying, "If you're looking for a way to bring about change in your life, consider chicken farming by taking a look at my example." Ufaysie's story exemplifies the profound impact of chicken farming. Her journey from hardship to success, characterized by dedication, hard work, and wise financial management, serves as an inspiring example for those aspiring to improve their lives!

Farmer Spotlight: Ufaysie Hankebo

2023 Hatch Africa Impact Report