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2236J St. Christopher's School for the Deaf — Chicken Coops Income-Generating Activities Baseline ReportProject SnapshotData CollectionGoal: Create a sustainable source of income for the school byenhancing poultry production practices. ActivitiesIn-Country PartnerSt. Christopher's School for the DeafTimeline2023 - 2025JamaicaBrown's Town, St. Ann1By improving poultry yield, quality and efficienciesBy providing input materials, training andtechnical assistanceThe baseline evaluation visit (July 21, 2023) considered the school's last purchaseof layer hens and broiler chicks, before the distribution of input materials orimplementation of activities.Project Participants' CharacteristicsDuring the 2021-2022 academic year, the school had a total enrollment of 22students, which increased to 29 students in the 2022-2023 academic year.Enrolled students were not exposed to Agricultural Sciences in either school year.Provide layer hensand broiler chicksProvide poultryfeed, medicationand input materialsConstructslaughterhouse andtwo chicken coopsConduct businesstrainingConduct trainingand technicalassistance

Egg handling,grading and storage2Best practices in poultry production and management were also surveyed. Among the areas surveyed (asdepicted in the images to the right),the school administrationdemonstrated a below-satisfactorylevel of knowledge in most topics.They exhibited significant limitations intopics such as brooding period;poultry feed and water management; lighting, temperature and ventilationmanagement; and egg handling,grading and storage.Recommendations Provide comprehensive, targeted training and technical assistance to the schooladministration and staff in areas of limitation. This focused training will enhance theirknowledge and skills, leading to improved production efficiencies and better outcomes.Implement a robust record-keeping system to accurately track purchases, expendituresand outcomes.Update survey to account for number of meals provided through purchases, etc. 1.2.3. Conduct technical and business training and other project activities, as per timeline. Perform data collection in Year 2, as per timeline.1.2. Next StepsThe institution was asked to provide information regarding their recent purchases of layerhens and broiler chicks. School staff reported that they did not make any layer hen purchasesdue to lack of funding, but they were able to make broiler chick purchases in March 2023,spending approximately $382.00 for 100 broiler chicks. Of this purchase, 90 chickens stocked the school's cafeteria, catering to the entire schoolpopulation. Additionally, staff revealed that they procured 72 eggs in May, which allowedthem to serve breakfasts to half the student population.Findings11The school reported a loss of 10 birds, but survey limitations did not allow the school to expound on the reasons for this loss. Survey limitations did not account for the number of meals provided through their purchase. 22Lighting, temperature andventilation management Slaughtering andprocessingPoultry feedand watermanagementHouse preparation Brooding period