As part of the activities organised for National Farmers' Day (AGRIFEST 2024), the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP/PRSA) presented an original initiative entitled the "FSRP Chicken Road Show". This road show, initiated by Ghana's Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), promoted locally produced broiler chicken, offering the public the opportunity to sample between 1,000 and 2,000 chickens free of charge during festivities organised at Efua Sutherland Park in Accra/Ghana.
In 2021, imports of chicken and chicken products into Ghana exceeded $300 million. To address this import dependency, MOFA and FSRP are implementing a Poultry Intensification Programme (PIS). With funding of 12.5 million dollars over five (5) years, this programme aims to revitalise the local broiler industry by supporting the production, processing and marketing of at least two million birds per year.
Through input credits, beneficiary farmers receive day-old chicks, feed and vaccines. They are also trained in modern best practices and climate-resilient technologies. Matching grants enable them to acquire equipment for processing and cold storage, essential elements for sustainable and competitive production.
In July 2024, 22 farmers from six (6) regions - Ashanti, Bono, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Eastern - were selected to join the programme. Since then, eight (8) of them have received: 360,500 day-old chicks, 911,000 doses of vaccines (including HBI, Lasota, Umboro 1 & 2) and 1,179 tonnes of feed.
These efforts, representing an investment of almost USD 830,000, have resulted in the production of around 400,000 chickens in just four months (up to the end of October 2024).
Chickens produced under the FSRP/PRSA are subject to rigorous inspections by control teams made up of representatives from the APD-MOFA, the Department of Veterinary Services and the FSRP/PRSA's social and environmental experts. These inspections ensure compliance with industry standards, particularly in terms of biosecurity, feed quality, vaccination protocols and general poultry health.
This travelling exhibition did more than just promote local chicken. It also highlighted the efforts of MOFA and FSRP/PRSA to develop sustainable, healthy and affordable poultry production. By tasting these grilled chickens on site, the public was able not only to appreciate their quality, but also to better understand the importance of supporting local producers.
With the support of the World Bank, this initiative symbolises Ghana's commitment to building a self-sufficient, sustainable and resilient poultry industry that benefits both producers and consumers.
