FAQ's
What does the International Egg Foundation do?
The International Egg Foundation (IEF) works to improve nutrition and livelihoods by helping communities build sustainable egg production systems.
We bring together technical expertise, industry knowledge and partnerships to deliver our programmes.
Why eggs?
Eggs are one of the most effective tools for improving nutrition. They are:
- Nutrient-dense and rich in essential vitamins and minerals
- Affordable compared to many other protein sources
- Quick to produce locally, even at small scale
By supporting egg production, communities can improve diets while also creating income and employment opportunities.
Who do you support?
We work with smallholder farmers and communities in regions where access to nutritious food is limited, with a strong focus on supporting women and children.
How do your programmes work?
Our programmes are designed to improve nutrition and strengthen livelihoods through sustainable egg production. Depending on the programme and local context, our work may include:
- Education and training – delivering practical, hands-on learning in poultry production, nutrition and biosecurity to build local knowledge and skills.
- Entrepreneurial development – supporting individuals and communities to develop sustainable poultry enterprises that create income and strengthen local food systems.
- Nutrition support – improving access to eggs and nutritious food within local communities to help strengthen diets and wellbeing.
- Technical partnerships – bringing together industry expertise, local knowledge and practical solutions to support sustainable, locally led programmes.
By combining these areas, our programmes aim to create sustainable, long-term outcomes that improve nutrition and support stronger livelihoods.
Where do you work?
We currently support programmes across:
Programmes operate across Sub-Saharan Africa (including Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa and Ethiopia) Central America (Honduras) and Asia (Thailand).
Examples include:
- The Ebenezer Poultry Training Centre in Mozambique, supporting young people through practical training and poultry production
- Work with Blessman International in South Africa, helping improve access to eggs and nutritious food for local communities
- Collaboration with UNICEF in Ethiopia to support the development of an egg powder facility, improving access to safe, shelf-stable nutrition
Each programme is shaped by local needs and delivered in collaboration with partners and our IEF network, combining technical expertise with local knowledge to support sustainable outcomes.
What impact are you making?
Our work focuses on creating practical, sustainable impact by:
- Strengthening local knowledge and technical skills
- Supporting sustainable egg production systems
- Creating opportunities for income generation and livelihoods
- Improving access, availability and affordability of eggs for children and communities
Our programmes are designed to support long-term outcomes by strengthening local capacity and creating systems that continue to deliver value over time.
Learn more about the programmes and partnerships helping drive this work.
Who do you work with?
The IEF works alongside a diverse network of organisations to strengthen programme delivery and expand impact, including:
- Industry partners, including members of the IEF Partnership Programme
- The IEF Network includes our Strategic collaborators, impact network and ground organisations
These collaborations are central to our work—bringing together funding, expertise and local knowledge to support practical, sustainable programmes that improve nutrition and strengthen livelihoods.
Learn more about the organisations and individuals helping advance our mission.
How is your work funded?
Our programmes are primarily supported through:
- The IEF Partnership Programme – contributions from industry members who support our mission and help strengthen programme delivery worldwide
- Donations from individuals and organisations – helping expand the reach and impact of our work
- In-kind support – including technical expertise, equipment and industry knowledge that strengthen programme outcomes
This collaborative model brings together funding, expertise and shared commitment to support practical, sustainable programmes that improve nutrition and strengthen livelihoods.
Find out how you can support our work and become part of the IEF network.
Can I collaborate with the IEF?
Yes. We work with organisations across the egg industry and beyond that want to support practical, sustainable programmes that improve nutrition and strengthen livelihoods.
One way to get involved is through the IEF Partnership Programme, which brings together organisations committed to supporting and strengthening our work globally.
We also welcome collaboration through:
- Technical expertise and knowledge sharing
- Programme delivery and local implementation partnerships
- Equipment and in-kind support
- Strategic collaboration and shared initiatives
- Financial contributions and sponsorship
Whether through membership, collaboration or shared expertise, we value partnerships that help strengthen programme outcomes and extend our collective impact.
Learn more about the different ways to get involved.
Still have questions?
Whether you’d like to learn more about our programmes, discuss partnership opportunities or support the IEF’s work, our team is happy to help.