High Feed Costs Force 'Nkoko Nkitinkitin' Poultry Beneficiaries to Consume Assets Instead of Selling

A beneficiary of the government's 'Nkoko nkitinkitin' poultry initiative has highlighted the severe economic challenges facing small-scale farmers in Ghana, revealing that high maintenance and feed costs have undermined the primary goal of the program. Enyo, a participant in the project, disclosed that her group was unable to sustain the birds for commercial sale as originally intended. The initiative, which was designed to boost local poultry production and provide a source of income for citizens, faced a significant hurdle when the costs of keeping the animals matured beyond the financial capacity of the keepers. Speaking during a phone-in session on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM's Weekend Morning Show, Enyo shared the practical difficulties encountered on the ground. She explained that although the government provided the chicks, the escalating prices of poultry feed and other necessary inputs made it economically unviable to maintain the business. Consequently, instead of selling the matured chickens to generate revenue and grow their enterprise, Enyo and her group were forced to slaughter the birds for personal consumption to avoid further financial losses. The situation underscores a broader issue within the agricultural sector where rising costs of inputs often outpace the potential profits for small-scale holders. While the state's provision of day-old chicks is a notable intervention, the ongoing operational costs remain a critical barrier to long-term success. The transition from commercial poultry farming to subsistence consumption by beneficiaries like Enyo suggests a need for more comprehensive support structures. For such programs to achieve their intended impact on national food security and economic empowerment, addressing the affordability of feed and establishing reliable market linkages will be essential steps for future agricultural policy.