Empowered by World Vision: How Ten Women Built a Thriving Broiler Business in Butha-Buthe

By Reentseng Phephetho, Communications & Digital Officer

Unemployment in Lesotho has hit women the hardest, forcing many to confront daily struggles of hunger, unpaid school fees, and unmet basic needs for their children. In Butha-Buthe district, this harsh reality pushed women to take action—not because they had skills or resources, but because doing nothing was no longer an option. Survival became the motivation.

For many women, poultry farming appeared to be the quickest and most accessible way to earn an income. This is how Women in Broiler Fryers Association was born.

Formed and registered in 2023, the Association began with 10 members—8 women and 2 youth—who came together to share ideas, reduce individual burdens, and search for better markets. They rented a small place in town where they sold their chickens, hopeful that unity would ease their challenges.

‘Masesing at work in the broiler house, showcasing her broiler production

But reality proved different.

Although they worked as a group, members still operated like individual farmers. They sourced chicks from different suppliers, resulting in inconsistent quality. None had formal skills in broiler production. Feeding methods differed, disease management was poor, and losses were high—especially in the critical first week.

“I did not know the right medication for broilers. They are very fragile in the first week, and many would die,” shared Matsotetsi, one of the members.

Markets were another major challenge. Chickens often stayed too long in freezers due to low sales, forcing the women to sell on credit or at a loss. During production, chicken feed would run out, creating tension among members and even within households, as families sacrificed their little food money to keep the business going. Paying rent at month-end was a constant struggle.

Despite all this, the women refused to give up.

A Turning Point: Skills, Knowledge, and New Confidence

Members of Women in Broiler Fryers Association, empowered through training, hold their improved broiler produce at their shop, ready for the market

In 2025, change finally came.

After receiving broiler production training from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Association was further supported by World Vision, through the SADP II-funded Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) Project. The training transformed not only their business but their entire outlook on life.

Through Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion, the women conducted a proper market survey and learned how to classify and target markets. They standardized production, sourced chicks collectively, applied proper feeding and medication practices, and began producing chickens of uniform quality.

The results were immediate and remarkable. Monthly income increased from barely M3,000 to over M10,000. “We used to go up to three days without sales, but now we sell up to 40 chickens every single day,” said Mothepane.

‘Mamothepane packs the chickens she produced into the fridge at their shop, ready for sale

With improved income, the Association pays rent on time, never runs out of chicken feed, and has secured a supply agreement with street vendors, particularly those in the Shisanyama business. At least 40 chickens are supplied daily, and members now earn regular monthly salaries. At home, lives have changed too. “My relationship with my family has been restored. I can now fully provide for my children’s needs, including school fees,” Matsotetsi shared with a smile.

Saving Together, Growing Together

Through Savings for Transformation (S4T) training, the women were introduced to small-scale savings and lending. In May 2025, they established their own savings group, which has become a powerful pillar for both business growth and household stability.

With S4T funds, members buy chicken feed and stock in bulk, reducing costs and preventing production interruptions. Some women have expanded into crop production after using savings to purchase seeds.

“I used to buy one bag of chicken meal, which finished very quickly. Now I can buy up to 15 bags at once,” shared Mahlompho.

‘Matsepo weighs her chicken on a scale bought with S4T funds, improving pricing and sales

The savings group also enabled the Association to purchase essential tools and equipment—chairs for their shop, pots, large basins, cutlery, proper chicken feeding dishes, and weighing scales. Measuring chicken weight before pricing has improved fairness, efficiency, and profits.

“Our broiler business has grown hugely,” said Matseliso.

Beyond business, the group has set aside a social support fund from their savings to assist the needy at the end of each year—evidence of growing compassion and solidarity.

Empowered Women, Stronger Families, Inclusive Leadership

Gender Equality training supported by World Vision led the Association to revise its constitution. Once a women-only group, they have now opened their doors to men and persons with disabilities, promoting inclusion and shared responsibility.

At household level, broiler farming is no longer seen as women’s work alone. Husbands and children actively support production, and children are included in decision-making—strengthening family bonds and nurturing future leaders.

Through Empowered World View training, the women experienced deep mindset shifts. They learned to see opportunities beyond limitations, utilize available land for crop production, and approach life with renewed confidence and faith. Most importantly, their spiritual lives have grown stronger. Their faith has become a foundation for resilience, compassion, and generosity—driving them to share with others in need.

Stronger as a Group, Ready for the Future

Mahlompho, a young woman in the Association, empowered through training to strengthen her broiler business

Training in Group Dynamics and Leadership equipped the Association with conflict management skills. A conflict management committee was established, and disputes are now handled professionally. Leaders have gained confidence and competence in guiding the group forward.

Business plan and proposal writing training has further sharpened their vision. The Association is currently refining its business plan, with dreams of owning a fully furnished butchery and a cold-room vehicle to expand their market reach. From struggling to survive to building a sustainable enterprise, Women in Broiler Fryers Association stands as a powerful example of what happens when women are empowered with skills, confidence, and opportunity.

What began as a fight against hunger has become a story of dignity, unity, and hope—one chicken at a time.