The recently launched Nkokoo Nkerenkete project in Kumasi has come under criticism from poultry farmers in the northern region, who say they were not adequately consulted before the initiative was rolled out.
The Northern Regional Chairman of the Poultry Farmers Association, Abdul Razak Jalil, expressed disappointment that many farmers in his jurisdiction only learned about the project after its official launch.
According to him, this lack of engagement raises serious concerns about inclusivity and the potential effectiveness of the programme in addressing the real challenges faced by poultry farmers across the country.
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Mr Abdul Razak noted that the poultry industry in northern Ghana faces unique challenges, including high feed costs, limited access to credit, and inadequate veterinary services.
He stressed that without direct input from farmers who experience these problems daily, any intervention risks missing its target. “Projects like Nkokoo Nkerenkete should be built on broad consultation and collaboration,” he said, adding that the failure to engage regional stakeholders could weaken the project’s overall impact on the poultry value chain.
He further explained that effective agricultural policies require an understanding of local contexts, particularly in regions where farming practices and resources differ significantly from the south.
Mr Abdul Razak warned that implementing a one-size-fits-all approach could lead to uneven benefits, with farmers in more urbanised areas gaining more support than those in remote communities.
He emphasised that the association remains open to dialogue and partnership but expects the government and project implementers to create channels for genuine stakeholder participation.
Meanwhile, some industry observers share Mr Abdul Razak’s concerns, noting that similar agricultural initiatives in the past have struggled due to poor coordination between policymakers and local farmers. They argue that early consultation, capacity building, and transparency are crucial to the sustainability of Nkokoo Nkerenkete.
As the project gains momentum, stakeholders are calling on authorities to engage poultry farmers from all regions to ensure that the initiative truly reflects the needs and aspirations of those it seeks to empower.
