ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was establish operational systems and viable size of community poultry projects versus number of beneficiaries to determine the capacity to sustain itself and serve its purpose as food security projects. Community poultry projects are expected to serve their purpose of securing food to beneficiaries and continue to run sustainably for longer time. The current study uses qualitative method to assess the performance of community poultry projects. The study used questionnaire to collect primary data by interviewing the accessible beneficiaries of existing poultry community.
The results of the survey revealed that the majority of community poultry projects are not viable to fulfil purpose of their establishment which is to secure food for beneficiaries and to be self-sustainable. However, the average value of reward was equivalent to R3 a day from both broiler and layer projects. The study further revealed that the reward was paid once a year. The rewards in terms of product were expected to be consumed by household and transferred into cash to buy other types of food required. The food is mainly determined by the size of the household. However the question remains, R3 a day is sufficient to buy food for a family for four members. Based on the outcome of this study, researcher encourages further research into to all agricultural related community food security projects. Research studies may determine if these projects are really aimed at helping economic growth in rural communities or whether they have capacity to secure basic food for beneficiaries while sustaining them self. Agreed minimum value of reward per beneficiaries must be established to ensure a future perfect match on size on all agricultural projects versus number of beneficiaries.
Key words: food security project, operation, benefit, sustainability
