LUSAKA, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- As the festive season reaches its peak, small-scale poultry businesses in Zambia are experiencing a surge in demand for chickens and eggs.
The Christmas and New Year period has traditionally been a peak season for these businesses, but this year's activity appears to be even more robust than usual across the livestock sector and the poultry industry in particular.
In Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, Christine Katope is delighted with the success of her poultry farming business.
The 56-year-old woman has been keeping chickens for eggs for over five years now, seeing a significant increase in demand during the festive season.
"I have more orders for eggs than I can keep up with. The demand for eggs is increasing each year," Katope said with a smile.
She added that around the same period last year, she only sold about 150 trays of eggs, while this year, sales have exceeded 300 trays.
Brian Musonda, 40, from the Kapiri Mposhi district in central Zambia, is also experiencing a boom in his poultry business.
"The demand for chicken is high during Christmas and the New Year. People are willing to pay premium prices, and I am happy to provide them with the product," he said.
He further revealed that just this festive season, he has managed to sell over 400 birds in a space of two weeks, which doubles the number sold last year during the same period.
Prices of chicken range from 130 to 250 Zambian Kwacha (approximately 5.84 to 11.22 U.S. dollars) per bird, while a tray of eggs costs between 70 and 100 Zambian Kwacha (about 3.14 to 4.50 U.S. dollars)
According to members of the public, the surge in demand is driven by the long-standing tradition of consuming chicken and rice on Christmas and New Year's Day.
"Eating chicken and rice on Christmas and New Year's Day has been a tradition in our family for generations. It just does not feel like the holidays without it," explained 42-year-old Nancy Mwale from Lusaka.
The tradition of eating chicken on special occasions in Zambia has evolved over the years. In the past, chicken was only reserved for special occasions, such as weddings or other special occasions.
In addition to chicken, eggs have also become essential during the festive season, as many Zambians use them in making salads and other dishes during the holidays.
"From salads to cakes and pastries, chicken eggs are a vital ingredient in many festive dishes. They add that extra flavor and richness to dishes," said Evelyn Silwimba, a 44-year-old pastry maker from Lusaka. ■