WATTagNet: Egg industry shows commitment to help eliminate hunger

The first of its kind, a two-day technical seminar aimed at tackling hunger in southern Africa has started in Lusaka, Zambia.

The event, jointly organized by the International Egg Commission (IEC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), comprises technical presentations and the exchange of information vital to increasing egg consumption and helping local producers address some of the challenges that hinder egg production in the region.

The ultimate goal of the two-day event is to cultivate long-term partnerships between IEC members and local egg producer associations.

Julian Madeley, director general at the IEC, explained: "It's estimated that in the world today, a billion people are underfed and undernourished, and this is going to get even worse over the next 40 years, as the global population is set to increase by another 3 billion people.

"This is unacceptable to everybody, and on behalf of the entire egg industry, the IEC is committed to doing what we can to help prevent hunger. We are committed to working with the FAO to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition."

The event draws together government representatives, veterinarians and egg producers from Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe and IEC members from Australia, Canada, South Africa and the U.S.

Under discussion are the challenges individual countries are facing and practical ways to increase egg production and ultimately, consumption in the region.

Event sponsor Novus is offering information on the importance of hen nutrition on egg development and sharing best practices for stronger businesses and better line management.

The event in Lusaka is part of the ongoing collaboration between the IEC and the FAO.