Empowering women with disabilities through smart and app-based poultry farming

Halabja Disabled Organization empowers women with disabilities via smart poultry farming. From 2022-2024, 52 farmers trained, including 15 women, using tech to improve livelihoods and monitor farm conditions.

The Halabja Disabled Organization, based in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, launched the Smart Poultry Farming project in 2022 to empower women with disabilities in rural areas. Women with disabilities were carefully assessed, selected, and provided with comprehensive training in smart poultry management and sensor technology. For example, by using mobile maps, farmers can constantly monitor air temperature and quality, even those who are illiterate. Between 2022 and 2024, 52 farmers were trained and equipped, among them 15 women with disabilities.

Problems Targeted

In low-income countries, women with disabilities in rural areas have extremely limited employment opportunities.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

Halabja Disabled Organization (HDO) is a small disabled people’s organisation based in the city of Halabja in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. In 2022, HDO started its Smart Poultry Farming project to empower women with disabilities in rural areas, mainly those with mobility or sensory limitations. A team of IT experts, agricultural engineers, and poultry veterinarians approached potential women farmers to assess their farms and current knowledge of poultry farming. After the selection process, the project initiated comprehensive training for the farmers on smart poultry management and sensor technology, which continuously measures temperature, humidity, and air quality. An accessible mobile app allows farmers, most of them based in small households, to easily access and understand real-time data – including those farmers who are illiterate. Products are then sold in local markets, which creates a steady income flow and integration into mainstream society. Beyond the farm, the project also promotes such sustainable practices as reducing water consumption and minimizing food waste, contributing to a more environmentally-friendly poultry industry. Of Halabja’s 47 registered women with disabilities, 15 were trained and supported, part of a cohort of 52 supported farmers. This has also led to improved poultry health, reduced mortality, and increased productivity, directly improving the livelihoods of these farmers.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

The project would grow more quickly if more funding would be available. The approximate cost for each new farmer ranges from $1,500 to $2,000, depending on their specific requirements. A total of $20,000 is needed to train and support a group of farmers. (Zero Project Awardee 2025)

Pictures

Halabja Disabled Organization trains women with disabilities in smart poultry management.

Halabja Disabled Organization trains women with disabilities in smart poultry management.

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