Gov’t launches backyard poultry initiative to support 200 households in Techiman

The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), has officially launched the Nkoko Nkitinkiti policy in the Techiman Municipality of the Bono East Region, benefitting 200 households under its backyard poultry initiative.

The programme, designed to enhance livelihoods and strengthen food security at the community level, has commenced with the distribution of 10,000 birds to beneficiary households across the municipality.

Mr Stephen Edu, Director of Agricultural Services at the Techiman Municipal Directorate of MoFA, disclosed this in an interview with the Information Services Department. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing all three phases of the policy to ensure its long-term viability and impact.

“The first phase, which is the backyard poultry initiative, has been successfully rolled out with 10,000 birds already distributed,” Mr Edu stated. He encouraged beneficiaries to manage the birds effectively to maximise productivity and improve their household incomes.

According to Mr Edu, the remaining two phases will be implemented in batches by MoFA in the coming months, aiming to broaden the initiative’s reach and benefits.

Dr Ruth Opoku, the Municipal Veterinary Officer, emphasised the critical need for proper poultry management practices to minimise mortality rates and ensure the programme’s sustainability. She urged beneficiaries to adhere strictly to vaccination schedules, maintain proper feeding regimens, and provide hygienic housing conditions for the birds.

Mr Osman Mustapha, Livestock Officer at the Municipal Directorate, raised concerns about inadequate knowledge among some beneficiaries regarding the transportation and handling of poultry. He warned that poor handling practices could lead to increased mortality and undermine the policy’s objectives.

The Nkoko Nkitinkiti policy is part of broader government efforts to boost local poultry production, reduce dependence on imported poultry products, and create employment opportunities, particularly for women and youth in the municipality. Authorities are optimistic that the initiative will contribute significantly to improving food security and household incomes at the grassroots level.