Wafad Group Partners with Hubbard and Gates Foundation to Revolutionize Rural Livelihoods in Ghana

Introduction

The Wafad Group, a pioneering agribusiness in Ghana, has joined forces with Hubbard Breeders and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to launch the CHICKEN4U mission—a transformative initiative aimed at uplifting rural communities through sustainable poultry farming. This five-year program, part of the Gates Foundation’s global efforts to enhance food security in sub-Saharan Africa, targets 250,000 smallholder farmers, with a special focus on empowering women and youth. By combining cutting-edge genetics, training, and community-driven strategies, CHICKEN4U seeks to create self-sustaining ecosystems that improve nutrition, foster economic growth, and promote innovation in Ghana’s poultry sector.

Analysis

Strategic Collaboration: Bridging Expertise and Resources

The partnership leverages the strengths of its three pillars:

• Wafad Group: A leader in agribusiness with a proven track record in poultry production and community empowerment.
• Hubbard Breeders: A global leader in poultry genetics, providing high-quality dual-purpose birds (meat and eggs) called GRANGER.
• Gates Foundation: Contributing funding, technical support, and its “Reinvestment in Agriculture for Development” (RAD) framework to scale impact.

This synergy ensures a holistic approach, from breeding to market access, tailored to rural Ghana’s unique challenges.

Core Components of the CHICKEN4U Mission

Dual-Purpose Birds: Nutrition and Income

GRANGER chickens, engineered for high egg production and meat yield, address dual needs. Farmers sell eggs at local markets and consume meat, directly enhancing food security and household income.

Training and Capacity Building

Wafad trains 100+ Sales and Technical Officers (SATOs) to mentor farmers in best practices. Topics include husbandry, disease prevention, and financial management. This cascading training model ensures knowledge transfer from professionals to farmers.

Feed Accessibility and Sustainability

The initiative promotes local feed production and partnerships with feed mills, reducing dependency on costly imports. Phase 2 includes a state-of-the-art feedmill operating since 2023, supporting 2,000+ farmers by 2025.

Summary

The CHICKEN4U mission represents a $50M+ partnership aiming to revolutionize rural Ghana by empowering 250,000 households through poultry farming. By integrating advanced genetics, targeted training, and infrastructure investment, Wafad Group, Hubbard, and Gates are creating a replicable model for inclusive agribusiness in Africa.

Key Points

Practical Advice for Farmers

How to Join CHICKEN4U

1. Eligibility: Smallholder farmers, especially women, must apply through local agricultural cooperatives.
2. Selective Acceptance: Prioritizes candidates demonstrating leadership and farm management experience.
3. Access Resources: Utilize Wafad’s extension services for bird transportation, vaccination schedules, and feed procurement.

Best Practices for Success

Optimize Shed Design

Ensure shelters are ventilated, predator-proof, and spaced appropriately to prevent disease. Use locally sourced materials to reduce costs.

Diversify Income Streams

Combine poultry with crop farming (e.g., maize, cassava) to mitigate climate risks and maximize returns.

Points of Caution

Avoiding Sectoral Pitfalls

Quality Control

Not all chicks are GRANGER-bred. Verify certificates of authenticity before purchase to avoid fraudulent distributors.

Financial Planning

Exit rates are high in backyard poultry farming. Secure microloans or join cooperatives to manage risks during feed shortages or market downturns.

Comparison with Similar Initiatives

CHICKEN4U vs. Other African Poultry Projects

Unique Strengths

• Dual-Purpose Focus: Most programs emphasize egg-laying birds; CHICKEN4U prioritizes hybrid performance in meat and eggs.

Community-Centric Model:

Unlike top-down approaches, MUOs are trained to replicate the program in their networks, ensuring scalability.

• Youth Engagement

  Digital tools like SMS-based weather alerts and virtual training modules position young Africans as tech-savvy agri-entrepreneurs.