The Strategist

Bill Gates launches 'Chicken Charity' in Africa



06/09/2016 - 17:00



Microsoft’s founder Bill Gates has launched a campaign for raising chickens in Africa to fight poverty. He promised to buy 100 thousand chickens, most suitable for local conditions, for the Africans.



Mohammad Jangda
Mohammad Jangda
The richest man in the world Bill Gates (Forbes estimates his fortune at $ 76.8 billion) announced launch of a new program of assistance to the poorest inhabitants of tropical Africa. The billionaire advises to do poultry to those who would like to get out of poverty, and promises to help everyone who wish to acquire a "seed capital" in the form of a few chickens.

"If you have to live on $ 2 a day, what can you do to improve your life? This is a serious question for about a billion people living in dire poverty. Of course, there is no single answer, but for me it is clear that almost anyone who lives so poorly, would find it easier if they keep hens. Yes, if I was in their shoes, I know what I would do - I would have been raising chickens ", - Gates was quoted as saying on the website Gatesnotes.com.

According to Gates, for the inhabitants of sub-Saharan Africa, poultry can be a simple and reliable way to improve their lives, as the chickens are able to eat pasture and do not require expensive drugs. Caring about the birds does not require great physical strength, chickens provide employment for women, and eggs help to cope with child malnutrition.

According to estimates of Microsoft’s founder, in three months a flock of five hens and a rooster can provide up to 40 layers, after which they can be sold for $ 5 thus bringing more than $ 1,000 per year. Those who earn less than $ 700 are considered poor in the region. 

Gates promised to buy 100 thousand chickens of a breed most suitable for local conditions for the people of sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, all the species will be vaccinated against dangerous birds’ diseases. The sponsor hope that, thanks to the support, each third of rural families in the region will have such chickens in the future, whereas only about 5% do poultry in the region now.

Gates invited to register on his website all who wish to participate in the rescue of the inhabitants of sub-Saharan Africa. "If you read an article, watch the video and answer the question, I will sacrifice - on your behalf - a few chickens to a family living in a poverty " - promised the billionaire.

Founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, is the richest man in the world according to Forbes, and one of the most generous entrepreneurs in the world. Foundation of Bill and his wife Melinda Gates supports healthcare organizations and transfers funds to development of vaccines for AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in poor countries.

In addition, Bill Gates is one of the ideologists of "The Giving Pledge" - an informal organization of entrepreneurs from around the world that have pledged to give more than half of their fortune to charity. 

source: gatesnotes.com