The Urgent Need for Revitalization in Ghana’s Poultry Sector

Ghana’s poultry industry is facing grave challenges, characterized by structural constraints and an alarming reliance on imports. The country imports over 400,000 metric tonnes of poultry meat every year from global powers like the EU, Brazil, the U.S., and more recently, China. As a result, local poultry producers are struggling to compete and are steadily being pushed out of their own market.

Learning from South Africa: A Proven Strategy

South Africa encountered similar issues and responded decisively with the Poultry Sector Master Plan (PSMP), which serves as a model for Ghana. The plan, initiated in 2019, was built on evidence-based advocacy and collaborative engagement among various stakeholders, including government ministries, the South African Poultry Association (SAPA), retailers, and civil society. Ghana must take inspiration from this approach.

A Comprehensive Framework for Local Growth

The PSMP is not merely a theoretical document; it provides a binding implementation framework that sets measurable goals across five pillars:

• Expand local production and processing by 10% annually.
• Reduce imports by 30% over five years.
• Increase black-owned participation in the commercial poultry sector.
• Strengthen food safety and animal health systems.
• Boost exports to neighboring countries and the Middle East.

Tariff Adjustments: A Protective Measure

To ensure the success of these initiatives, the South African government raised tariffs on imported chicken, boosting duties on certain products to as high as 62%. These protective measures gave domestic producers the chance to expand and innovate, leading to job creation and new investments.

Advocacy Matters

One of the critical components of South Africa’s success was the emergence of the FairPlay movement, which advocated against poultry dumping. This civil society group effectively raised awareness regarding the impact of unfair trade practices and galvanized support for local producers. Their efforts resulted in significant policy changes, including:

• Anti-dumping duties based on empirical evidence.
• Transparent labeling of imported products.
• Mandatory sourcing policies for public institutions.
• Zero-rating VAT on local poultry for better affordability.

A Call for Similar Initiatives in Ghana

Ghana must catalyze a movement similar to FairPlay, backed by coalition support from farmers, consumer organizations, and nutrition advocates. This initiative could play a pivotal role in elevating poultry reform to a national agenda.

Consumer Advocacy: The “Eat Ghana Chicken” Initiative

In South Africa, campaigns promoting local poultry have significantly increased consumer demand. Ghana should launch a “Eat Ghana Chicken” campaign targeting schools, hospitals, and supermarkets, with strategies that include:

• Preferential procurement for public institutions.
• Certification systems for traceability and safety.
• Support for small-scale processors to meet market demands.

Empowering Smallholders and Youth

Given that over 80% of Ghana’s poultry farms are small-scale, it is essential to create pathways for these farmers to thrive. This can be achieved by:

• Providing digital financing solutions through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
• Establishing youth-driven poultry incubation programs.
• Leveraging fintech platforms for bundled services in poultry ventures.

A Blueprint for Action

To summarize, South Africa’s poultry sector rejuvenation was not coincidental; it was the result of systematic planning and advocacy. Ghana must now shift its focus from fragmented initiatives to a cohesive national strategy aimed at revitalizing its poultry industry, which is crucial for job creation, food security, and economic resilience.

Conclusion: Bridging Southern and West African Approaches

While South Africa may not have solved all its poultry challenges, its strategy has altered the landscape. For Ghana, the lessons are clear:

1. Create a national poultry master plan with enforceable targets.
2. Implement protective trade measures for domestic producers.
3. Foster a national movement advocating for local poultry.
4. Develop infrastructure to support smallholder growth.
5. Connect poultry strategies to broader food security and employment goals.

The time for incremental measures has passed; Ghana needs a firm commitment to rejuvenate its poultry sector now and in the future.

Source: thebftonline.com