Ghana’s broiler sector is expected to receive a significant boost with the commencement of the first phase of the Poultry Intensification Scheme under the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP). This effort, spearheaded by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), seeks to boost domestic poultry production and reduce dependency on imports. The five-year program, supported by a $150 million World Bank grant, focuses on commercial poultry farmers in six regions: Ashanti, Bono, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, and Volta.
The Poultry Intensification Scheme uses a two-pronged strategy.
Revamping the Broiler Industry: Ghana now spends a whopping $400 million each year on imported chicken products. The FSRP aims to reverse this tendency by boosting domestic production. The program’s goal is to greatly boost broiler bird production by providing 22 selected commercial poultry producers with the required resources, with an estimated 2 million birds produced per year.
Promoting Modern and Sustainable Practices: The FSRP does more than only increase productivity. It also promotes the use of contemporary and climate-resilient practices across the entire chicken production chain, including production, processing, and marketing. This focus on sustainability protects the industry’s long-term profitability while minimizing environmental harm.
Supportive Measures for Success
The first phase of the initiative, funded with $12.5 million, would give critical assistance to participating farmers for three years. Here is a breakdown of the main elements:
Interest-Free Input Loans: Providing interest-free loans for necessary inputs is an important component of the program. During the first round of allocations, each beneficiary will receive 160,000 day-old chicks, 180,000 kg of feed, and immunizations. This comprehensive support ensures that farmers have the resources they require to get started and rear healthy birds.
Training in Modern Practices: The FSRP recognizes the value of knowledge and skills in poultry farming. Beneficiaries will be trained on best modern practices and climate-smart technologies. This program will provide farmers with the knowledge they need to manage their flocks successfully, optimize productivity, and adjust to changing environmental conditions.
Matching Grants for Post-Production: The program recognizes the importance of post-production activities like as processing and cold storage. To solve this, farmers can receive matching funds of up to $400,000 to purchase the appropriate equipment. This financial help enables farmers to add value to their products, improve shelf life, and reach a larger market.
Early signs of progress.
The positive impact of the FSRP is already visible in the Ashanti Region. Three of the five anchor poultry farms, Rockland, Boris B. Chicken, and Darko Farms, have each received an initial shipment of 40,000 day-old chicks. This is a big step towards meeting the program’s output goals.
A Broader Vision: Food System Resilience in West Africa
The Poultry Intensification Scheme is more than just a national endeavor; it is part of a regional effort to improve food system resilience. The FSRP is a World Bank-funded program pushed by ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) for countries including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Chad. The program’s overarching purpose is to improve food system risk management, increase the sustainability of agricultural production in the region, and harmonize agricultural markets.
Expected Results and Long-Term Impact
The Poultry Intensification Scheme aims to revolutionize Ghana’s poultry industry. By increasing domestic production, the program has the potential to significantly reduce dependence on imported poultry. This will save Ghana’s vital foreign currency while also creating employment opportunities and bolstering the local economy.
In addition, the program’s focus on modern and climate-resilient practices safeguards the industry’s long-term sustainability. Farmers with access to cutting-edge knowledge and technologies will be better equipped to adapt to environmental challenges and ensure the long-term profitability of their poultry businesses.
The FSRP, with its emphasis on collaboration and knowledge exchange across West African countries, has the potential to build a more robust and resilient food system in the area. The program’s promotion of self-sufficiency and sustainable practices can help all participating countries achieve food security and economic prosperity.
