Agrotechnology

The role of farmer-based organizations in promoting sustainable agriculture in Ghana (Poultry, Livestock and Aquaculture Federation (Poli - Aqua): From Confrontation to Collaboration)

16^th International Conference on Agriculture & Horticulture

August 16-17, 2021 WEBINAR

Asiwome K. Dzineku

Poultry, Livestock and Aquaculture Federation, Ghana

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Agrotechnology

Abstract:

Problem Statement: The growing consumer demand coupled with the preferences by consumers for locallyproduced animal products (fish, meat and eggs) has required for the critical issues confronting the sector to be holistically addressed. Key among them are the existence of fragmented associations, lack of collaboration among the value chain actors, absence of market linkages, non-accessibility of production inputs, competition between humans and animals for grains and insufficient technical training for farmers and other stakeholders. It is against this backdrop that PoLi Aqua intends to provide training to develop the skills and competencies of members and champion the role and value of poultry, livestock and aquaculture production as a critical sector for economic development. Also, to influence government policy and regulation on agriculture with specific focus on poultry, livestock and aquaculture, advocate for responsible and ethical production practices. Finally, to promote poultry, livestock and aquaculture marketing as a critical aspect of the production value chain for business growth. Approach: The outlined key issues confronting the sector has led to the formation and legal registration of the Poultry, Livestock & Aquaculture Federation as a non-governmental organization to bring together every segment of the poultry, livestock and aquaculture industry, including, but not limited to feed milling, input supplies, live production, hatchery, processing, packaging, marketing and all service and support activities within the production value chain proposition. The major activities of the federation will be: membership drive, publication of quarterly newsletter, setting up of a farmers’ academy, youth and women-centred interventions, establishment of district market fair, holding of annual national conference and award schemes. Motivation: The prospects of the poultry, livestock and aquaculture sector over the next ten years will depend on the strengths of the sector and investment opportunities. The opportunities exist in the production, processing and marketing of agricultural products, such as livestock, poultry and fish. The current situation of the poultry, livestock and aquaculture sector depends on five main factors: Feed & Feed Inputs, Breeding Stocks, Financial Resources, Technical Management and Value-Addition for Marketing. The purpose of Poultry, Livestock & Aquaculture Federation (PoLi Aqua) is to promote and protect all poultry, livestock and aquaculture interests relating to production, distribution, merchandising and consumption of meat, eggs and fish; to disseminate information relating to the various phases of the poultry, livestock and aquaculture industry in order to improve and expand markets; to increase efficiency in production and marketing; to encourage and support research in production and marketing of poultry; and to encourage and support youth programs. Results: The federation intends to embark on a membership drive, publish a quarterly newsletter, set up a farmers’ academy, establish district market fair, organize an annual national conference and awards scheme. Conclusions: Poli Aqua Federation intends to honour and reflect achievements, excellence and best practice in the sector, and help to expand local production and processing of poultry, livestock and aquaculture products in Ghana which lead to job creation and economic development. POLIAQUA’s goal is to increase Ghana’s Poultry, Livestock and Aquaculture Value Chain’s commercial performance by establishing strong linkages between input suppliers, producers, processors and end market actors towards increasing efficiency along the poultry, livestock and aquaculture supply chain by leveraging private investment in Equipment, Technology, Valueadded processing, and marketing by agribusiness enterprises.