The project has been initiated by the Lilongwe Agricultural Development Division (LADD), specifically in villages of Mkwinda and Mitundu Extension Planning Areas (EPAs). These are villages that surround the Bunda College of Agriculture. In these villages, researchers have already conducted studies on the evaluation of poultry biodiversity, on-farm and on-station species characterization and flock monitoring (Gondwe et al., 1999). A catalogue of local names for poultry in Chichewa was established (Table 1). Most of the names were descriptive and based on phenotype: feather plumage, legs, tail feathers, head, other features or simply colour.
Monitoring studies determined the prevalence of different types of poultry within species in the area (Table 2). From these, it was noted that there were relatively few examples of phenotypes Kansilanga, Tsumba and Kameta in flocks. Traces of Black Australorp breed were identified but constituted an insignificant proportion of the total chicken population.
But Simboti and Kachibudu were missing among the flocks. These phenotypes need special attention if they are to be saved from extinction. Few examples of Kawangiwere seen in duck flocks, while phenotypic diversity distribution was equal in pigeons. The proportion of pigeons and ducks in relation to chickens was low and needs to improve. The same trend is being observed from current monitoring results.