By Umar Nsubuga
Guinea fowls, often admired for their unique appearance and flavorful meat are gaining popularity among farmers in Uganda as a profitable and sustainable venture.
Known for their hardiness and adaptability, these birds thrive in diverse environments, making them suitable for both rural and urban farming setups.
Whether reared for meat, eggs, or pest control, guinea fowls offer an array of benefits that farmers can harness to enhance their incomes.
Twaha Kakooza at Shatwa Mixed Farm in Kayunga says guinea fowls are less demanding compared to other poultry.
He says they are resistant to many common poultry diseases, reducing the need for extensive veterinary care.
He also says their ability to forage for their own food in open spaces means they can be reared at a lower cost. These birds naturally consume pests, weeds, and seeds, which not only saves farmers on feed expenses but also helps in maintaining a clean farming environment.
Lwamasaka Nsereko, a resident of Kiwebwa in Wakiso district and who also rears guinea fowls says the adaptability of guinea fowls to various climates and minimal housing requirements further make them a suitable choice for farmers looking to diversify their poultry operations.
“Simple sheds or enclosures with adequate ventilation are sufficient to shelter them, as guinea fowls are hardy birds that can withstand varying weather conditions,” he explains.
Commercial benefits of guinea fowls
The commercial potential of guinea fowls lies in their high market demand for meat and eggs.
Guinea fowl meat is considered a delicacy, known for its rich flavour and low-fat content, which appeals to health-conscious consumers.
Restaurants, hotels, and households across Uganda are showing increasing interest in guinea fowl products, creating a steady market for farmers.
Guinea fowl eggs are another lucrative product. Although smaller than chicken eggs, they are highly nutritious and have a longer shelf life due to their tough shells.
Kakooza says these eggs often fetch premium prices in niche markets, including urban grocery stores and health food outlets.
Starting guinea fowl farming
Farmers interested in rearing guinea fowls, Nsereko says they can begin with as few as 10-20 birds, which can multiply rapidly given the birds’ ability to lay up to 100 eggs annually. With proper incubation techniques, farmers can achieve a high hatch rate and grow their flock steadily.
According to Nsereko, feeding guinea fowls involves a combination of natural foraging and supplementary feeding with grains or formulated feeds.
He says farmers should also ensure access to clean water and basic vaccination to maintain the health and productivity of their flock.
Nsereko says marketing guinea fowl products can be done through local markets, restaurants, and direct sales to consumers.
“Farmers who specialize in organic farming or free-range methods may attract higher-paying customers seeking premium-quality products,” he adds.
Advantages of guinea fowls
Beyond meat and eggs, guinea fowls also serve as natural pest controllers. Kakooza explains that their diet includes ticks, insects, and even snakes, making them beneficial for farms and gardens. This trait has positioned guinea fowls as eco-friendly pest management solutions, further increasing their appeal to farmers and households.
By rearing guinea fowls commercially, he says farmers can diversify their income streams while contributing to food security.
With minimal input costs, high demand for their products, and added environmental benefits, guinea fowl farming stands out as a profitable and sustainable agricultural practice in Uganda.
