FEATHERS OF HOPE (FOH) MODEL FARM
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT – APRIL 2025

1. INTRODUCTION
   The month of April 2025 was marked by significant infrastructural developments, energy system upgrades, programmatic milestones, and community empowerment initiatives at the FOH Model Farm in Kinango. This report outlines the key activities, outcomes achieved, and next steps, reflecting our ongoing commitment to sustainable agriculture, youth and women empowerment, and food security.
2. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
   2.1 Purchase and Installation of Water Tanks
   To address water reliability on the farm, we procured and installed new water tanks. These tanks will support poultry rearing, Azolla cultivation, and organic vegetable production.

2.2 Construction of Tank Bases
Concrete platforms were constructed to securely elevate the water tanks. This ensures proper gravitational flow and long-term structural stability, reducing the risk of damage or leakage.

2.3 Gutter Installation for Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting systems were established through the installation of gutters along rooftops of the poultry house and shednets. The system is now operational and channels rainwater into the tanks, reducing our reliance on piped or borehole water.

3. ENERGY SYSTEM ENHANCEMENT
3.1 Installation of New Solar Batteries
With increasing energy demands, particularly for incubation and lighting systems, two additional high-capacity solar batteries were purchased and integrated into the existing solar setup. This has enhanced power stability and reduced downtime during cloudy weather or at night.

4. INCUBATION AND POULTRY EXPANSION
4.1 Acquisition of Incubator
A new, digital 1,000-egg capacity incubator was acquired and installed to support the FOH hatchery program. The unit features automatic temperature and humidity controls to ensure high hatchability rates.

4.2 Egg Collection and Hatching Progress

A total of 264 eggs were collected in three batches of 88 eggs.
From the first batch, 36 eggs successfully hatched into healthy chicks.

The remaining batches are under observation, with careful monitoring of temperature, humidity, and rotation schedules.
This marks the beginning of a localized, scalable chick production model aimed at supplying FOH and surrounding farmer groups with high-quality chicks.

5. ORGANIC FARMING INITIATIVE: MAVUNO BORA

In collaboration with ClimateCare CBO, we established a new women-led farmer group named MAVUNO BORA, focusing on organic farming under the FOH organic training program.

5.2 Land Preparation and Nursery Design
The group was assigned one of the FOH shednets. With technical support, they:

• Designed nursery beds

• Prepared the land using organic compost

• Received initial seedlings for planting

The MAVUNO BORA group has shown exemplary commitment and teamwork and is expected to serve as a role model for other community groups.

6. NEXT STEPS

• Install automated watering systems in the poultry units
• Begin transplanting seedlings.
• Monitor hatchability rates and calibrate incubator settings for better yields.
• Purchasing of Vaccine fridge.
• Expand Azolla ponds to support poultry feed sustainability

7. CONCLUSION
   April was a month of strategic progress at FOH Model Farm. From infrastructure and energy investments to the launch of our incubation system and the MAVUNO BORA women’s initiative, the project continues to deliver on its goals of transforming rural livelihoods through sustainable, scalable agricultural solutions. We look forward to May with anticipation and renewed commitment.

Prepared by: Constatine Charo Tsuma
FOH Project Manager