Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association Excluded from Nkoko Nkiti Nkiti Initiative

Introduction

The Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association (GAPFA) has publicly asserted that it was excluded from the Nkoko Nkiti Nkiti initiative, a government‑led programme designed to boost domestic poultry production and reduce reliance on imported chicken. In a recent interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, the association’s chief executive officer, Ali Mohammed, described a pattern of non‑response to multiple written requests for consultation. This article unpacks the background, analyses the implications for policy transparency, and offers practical guidance for poultry producers who may feel marginalized by top‑down agricultural programmes.

Key Points

Exclusion Claim

According to GAPFA’s leadership, the association has never received a policy document, invitation, or any form of direct consultation regarding the Nkoko Nkiti Nkiti project, despite representing more than 1,400 active poultry farmers in the Greater Accra region.

Communication Attempts

Ali Mohammed disclosed that GAPFA has dispatched several formal letters to relevant ministries requesting inclusion in the design and implementation phases. To date, the association reports that no response has been received.

Current Participation Status

The association claims that none of its members are currently beneficiaries of any intervention linked to the Nkoko Nkiti Nkiti programme. In the CEO’s words, “nobody responded,” underscoring a perceived breakdown in stakeholder outreach.

Government Programme Overview

The Nkoko Nkiti Nkiti initiative is part of Ghana’s broader strategy to modernise poultry farming, improve biosecurity, and curtail imports of frozen chicken. While the programme’s objectives are aligned with national food‑security goals, its implementation appears to lack the grassroots consultation that GAPFA deems essential.

Background

About the Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association

Founded to organise and empower poultry producers in the Greater Accra metropolitan area, GAPFA serves as a collective bargaining unit, provides training, and facilitates access to markets and inputs. With a membership exceeding 1,412 active farmers, the association is recognised as the largest organised poultry body in the region.

Overview of the Nkoko Nkiti Nkiti Initiative

Launched by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, the Nkoko Nkiti Nkiti programme seeks to:

• Increase local egg and meat production by 30 % within five years.
• Introduce modern breeding stock and feed‑supply chains.
• Reduce Ghana’s annual chicken import volume, which currently stands at approximately 150,000 metric tonnes.
• Create rural employment opportunities through contract‑farming models.

Funding for the scheme is allocated from the national agricultural development budget, with additional support from donor agencies focused on food‑security projects.

Stakeholder Landscape

Typically, poultry‑sector reforms in Ghana involve a multi‑tiered stakeholder matrix that includes:

• Farmers’ organisations (e.g., GAPFA, National Poultry Farmers Association).
• Research institutions (e.g., CSIR‑Animal Research Institute).
• Private sector players (feed manufacturers, hatcheries).
• International development partners (FAO, USAID).

Effective policy rollout often depends on early‑stage engagement with these groups to ensure that technical designs reflect on‑the‑ground realities.

Analysis

Implications of Exclusion

When a representative body such as GAPFA is omitted from programme design, several risks emerge:

1. Misalignment with farmer needs: Technical specifications may not address local feed availability, climate constraints, or market access challenges faced by Accra‑based producers.
2. Reduced adoption rates: Without prior buy‑in, farmers may be reluctant to adopt new technologies or practices, undermining the programme’s impact.
3. Erosion of trust: Repeated experiences of marginalisation can diminish the willingness of poultry farmers to participate in future government initiatives.

Legal and Policy Considerations

While Ghana’s Public Procurement Act and Local Government Act do not mandatorily require consultation with every farmer group, the National Agricultural Policy Framework (2021‑2025) explicitly encourages “inclusive stakeholder participation” for programmes that affect small‑scale producers. Failure to adhere to this principle may expose the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to reputational risk and potential critiques from civil‑society watchdogs.

Comparative Perspective

Other African nations—such as Kenya’s Livestock Master Plan and Ethiopia’s Growth and Transformation Plan—have incorporated formal consultation mechanisms, including farmer‑representative panels, to guide programme rollout. Ghana’s current approach, as highlighted by GAPFA, diverges from these best‑practice models, raising questions about the scalability of the Nkoko Nkiti Nkiti initiative.

Potential Remedies

Addressing the perceived exclusion could involve:

• Establishing a transparent, published timetable for stakeholder engagement.
• Creating a dedicated liaison office within the Ministry to field queries from farmer associations.
• Publishing policy documents in both English and Twi to improve accessibility.
• Inviting GAPFA representatives to technical workshops and monitoring missions.

Practical Advice for Affected Poultry Farmers

1. Document All Interactions

Farmers should maintain a log of correspondence with government agencies, including dates, recipients, and content summaries. This record can be valuable if formal grievance procedures become necessary.

2. Leverage Professional Associations

Joining or strengthening participation in bodies like GAPFA amplifies collective voice. Collective petitions tend to receive greater attention than individual complaints.

3. Seek Alternative Funding Channels

While awaiting government clarification, farmers may explore:

• Micro‑finance institutions that specialise in agricultural lending.
• International NGOs that provide poultry‑sector capacity building.
• Private‑sector contract‑farming arrangements that offer input subsidies.

4. Stay Informed on Programme Updates

Regularly monitoring official government portals, press releases, and agricultural extension services ensures that farmers are aware of any subsequent invitations for participation.

5. Engage in Knowledge‑Sharing Networks

Participating in farmer field schools, cooperative meetings, and extension‑agent visits helps disseminate best practices and keeps members abreast of emerging opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nkoko Nkiti Nkiti initiative?

The Nkoko Nkiti Nkiti programme is a Ghanaian government effort to boost domestic poultry production, improve biosecurity, and reduce reliance on imported chicken through technology transfer, financing, and market‑linkage support.

Why does GAPFA claim it was excluded?

GAPFA states that despite repeated written requests, it has not received any official invitation, policy documents, or consultation meetings related to the initiative.

How many farmers does GAPFA represent?

The association claims a membership of over 1,400 active poultry farmers across the Greater Accra region.

Can the government legally ignore farmer organisations?

While the law does not compel the government to consult every farmer group, the National Agricultural Policy Framework encourages inclusive stakeholder participation, especially for programmes that directly affect small‑scale producers.

What steps can GAPFA take next?

GAPFA may pursue formal grievance mechanisms, request a public clarification from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, or seek media coverage to pressure officials for engagement.

Are there alternative poultry development programmes?

Yes. Ghana also implements the Livestock Development Project and collaborates with the World Bank on the Agricultural Sector Investment Programme, both of which include farmer‑consultation components.

Conclusion

The public assertion by the Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association that it was excluded from the Nkoko Nkiti Nkiti initiative underscores a critical gap in stakeholder engagement within Ghana’s agricultural reform agenda. While the programme’s objectives—enhancing local poultry production and curbing imports—are commendable, its implementation must be anchored in transparent, inclusive processes that reflect the lived realities of farmers. By documenting interactions, leveraging collective representation, and exploring alternative financing, affected poultry producers can safeguard their interests and contribute constructively to future policy cycles. Continued dialogue between the government and farmer organisations will be essential to ensure that Ghana’s poultry sector achieves sustainable growth and food‑security outcomes.