Poultry breeding company recognised for sustainability efforts in Africa
Poultry breeding company Hendrix Genetics has received an award from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation for the development of dual-purpose chicken breeds for rural and low-input systems in Africa.
The initiative is part of the Sustainable Access to Poultry Parent Stock to Africa (SAPPSA) programme, which is co-funded with the Gates Foundation. Since its launch in 2018, SAPPSA has enabled 31 million smallholder farmers to access resilient poultry genetics, including nearly 8 million this year.
Evaluating poultry performance under tropical conditions
One of the major components of SAPPSA is the Recurrent Testing initiative in Burkina Faso, which evaluates poultry performance under tropical conditions. These tests are conducted in partnership with the avian selection centre Coq du Faso and aim to ensure locally adapted and economically viable breeds for smallholders.
Richard Maatman, CEO of Hendrix Genetics, said the FAO’s recognition was a profound moment for the company: “It validates our belief that social entrepreneurship – alongside animal welfare and climate resilience – is not just a pillar of our sustainability strategy, but a force for real-world impact.”
Building on this work, the company has become an International Egg Commission (now the World Egg Organisation) official partner, which focuses on improving health and nutrition in vulnerable communities.
Layers to a training facility in Mozambique
In line with the IEF projects, Hendrix Genetics has committed to an initial donation of high-quality ISA Brown layer birds to support the new poultry training facility of the Ebenezer Agricultural Training Centre in Mozambique.
The initiative aims to strength local capacity by providing students with hands-on experience in poultry management and sustainable egg production, equipping them with the skills to establish their own farms and improve access to high-quality affordable protein in the region.
Carbon offset programme
The company has also launched a carbon offset programme in partnership with FairShares, supporting the CommuniTree Carbon initiative in Nicaragua. The programme enables smallholders to reforest underused land, restoring ecosystems and creating long-term income opportunities. The collaboration, based on the firm’s revised travel policy that prioritises environmental responsibility, is expected to offset 2,100 tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to planting approximately 14,000 trees.
