Ghana to distribute three million chickens under national poultry project

GHANA – Ghana is set to launch a nationwide poultry initiative in mid-November that will see three million vaccinated chickens distributed to households as part of the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme.

Each of the country’s 275 constituencies is expected to receive around 10,000 birds, which will be shared among pre-registered community members identified for the scheme.

On average, households will receive about 50 chickens each, aimed at helping families start or expand backyard poultry farming.

Unlike previous agricultural support programmes that left farmers to source their own inputs, this plan includes the supply of starter feed and training in poultry management to ensure the birds are properly reared.

The distributed chickens will already be vaccinated, reducing early mortality rates and allowing recipients to begin production immediately for meat and eggs.

Government officials say the initiative is designed as a long-term economic effort intended to create sustainable livelihoods rather than a short-term handout.

One of the main reasons for the rollout is Ghana’s reliance on imported poultry, which costs the country hundreds of millions of US dollars every year.

The government argues that continued imports of chicken and poultry products weaken the local industry and drain foreign currency reserves.

By equipping families to raise their own birds, authorities hope to reduce imports and strengthen domestic production capacity gradually.

Households showing existing interest or capability in poultry keeping are being prioritized for the distribution to improve the likelihood of success.

Eligibility criteria guide selection to ensure that the birds reach individuals who can effectively manage them with available resources.

Monitoring teams are also being set up to verify that the birds are used for household production and not diverted elsewhere.

Officials emphasize that the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme is not designed to compete with large poultry firms but to complement the commercial sector.

The initiative is expected to stimulate wider benefits along the value chain, including feed suppliers, hatcheries, transporters, and processors.

In addition to income generation, the government expects the programme to improve nutrition and food access at the household level.

The poultry distribution forms part of a broader food security strategy that also involves mobilizing youth and cooperatives into organized poultry production.

Authorities say the long-term goal is for Ghana to meet its domestic poultry needs and eventually export to regional markets.

As the mid-November rollout approaches, anticipation is rising among registered households and local producers.

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