As many as 1.2 million Ghanaians are experiencing food insecurity, and chronic malnutrition, though decreasing in numbers for the past five years, one quarter of children under five are still affected USAID Report (2014).
Currently, poultry meat is imported to our region and across the country from overseas, costing the economy millions of dollars. In 2013, imports of poultry products amounted to US$169.2 million (MOfA).
Table eggs are transported from other regions to our district, increasing the price of eggs, making these beyond the reach of poor families.
Malnutrition is a significant indirect cause of child mortality in Ghana, contributing to one-third of all childhood deaths. Although levels of malnutrition in Ghana have dropped over the years, 23% of children are stunted and 57% are anemic. (UNICEF in Ghana 2013)
People in rural communities are mainly crop farmers who lack a good market for their produce, so the farms remain small and inefficient and in turn, the people remain in poverty.
‘Chicken meat and eggs are the best source of quality protein, and are badly needed by the many millions of people who live in poverty. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and South Asia, malnutrition and undernutrition are closely associated with poverty. These conditions affect the immune system. (Poultry Development Review 2013).
We will engage farmers to grow maize and soybeans in large quantities. We will feed these to our poultry and supply meat and eggs to households at affordable price.
We will link up with poultry farmers to produce eggs and poultry meat in large quantities and make these affordable to all families. Our district is home to many smallholder poultry farmers but the high cost of feed is killing the businesses. We will procure a feed mill to prepare feed for poultry farmers at competitive and affordable prices and grow their businesses through cost reduction.
We will impact everyone in a positive way. Livestock farmers can source feed for their flock at a reduced cost, Maize and soybean farmers will have a ready market for their produce, increase their farm size and profit margins. Households will have access to good and affordable nutrition, increase in revenue and higher standard of living. Farmers will use the hens’ droppings to fertilize their crops so there is no negative impact of our business on the environment.
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