Nyeri: About 100 farmers from Nyeri County have graduated from an inaugural programme that is geared towards the promotion of drug-free broiler production to curb Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The eleven-month training was spearheaded by the County Directorate of Veterinary Services and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

According to Kenya News Agency, the programme was conducted through the Farmers Field School model, introducing farmers to an alternative broiler rearing system without relying on conventional antibiotic use. Dr. Anthony Muguro, the County Director of Veterinary Services, emphasized that the programme's goal is to transform livestock production by encouraging alternative and safe food production methods.

Dr. Muguro explained, "Instead of using drugs, they have been using biosecurity measures which stop the spread or the introduction of diseases to these poultry, leading to broilers without drug residues and averting AMR." He highlighted the dangers of conventional broiler farming, which heavily relies on antimicrobials for disease control, noting that many drugs share molecules with human medicine.

The initiative, aiming to eradicate drug-dependent farming, will extend to other food value chains, including dairy and pig farming in the county. Trained farmers are expected to become ambassadors, spreading the knowledge of biosecurity measures in food production systems.

One of the beneficiaries, Ms. Julia Ndirangu, described the training as transformative, noting significant improvements in poultry rearing practices, especially regarding hygiene and disease control. She shared, "After undergoing this training, I can confidently say my birds live and feed in a clean environment and feed on the right feeds to enhance healthy growth."

James Kimani, the county focal officer for the National Antimicrobial Stewardship Inter-Agency Committee, acknowledged the programme's timely intervention as the country faces challenges with antimicrobial residues in food. He praised the county government's efforts to educate farmers on alternative production techniques, expressing optimism that this will lead to safer food and improved public health.