Day 3 - Of Chickens and Presidential Candidates

The short flight from Accra to Kumasi takes just 45 minutes. Driving would have made the trip last between 4 and 5 hours. Given the difference in travel time, it wasn’t difficult to get over my slight unease about flying on a local carrier whose reputation or safety record is completely unknown to me. 

We are in Kumasi to visit with the Rev. Dr. Kwabena Darko alternatively known in Ghana as the “Poultry King.” Dr. Darko is the largest poultry producer in West Africa and an inspiration to millions (he even has a children's book accompanied by a great interactive website about his life). But as Dr. Darko explained, increased importation of American broilers has had a serious impact on the competitiveness of his business. In recent years, he has had to downsize his firm and lay-off some 400 workers. If ever there is a poster-story for how US subsidies hurt farmers in developing countries, this appears to be it.

We’ve been introduced to Dr. Darko by Ambassador Tony Hall. Both men have served as Board Members to Opportunity International, a terrific NGO that provides microfinance opportunities.

I’m immediately struck by the quiet dignity and reserve of Dr. Darko. He is charming and deferential. Having introduced us to his colleague, Dr. Hans Adu-Dapaa, Dr. Darko sits back and lets the conversation unfold. Dr. Adu-Dappa is head of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research in Ghana, the major research institution for agriculture in the country. He and Dr. Darko are personal friends and work colleagues. 

Our wide ranging conversation provided some great insights into some of the barriers small farmers face as they try to grow their businesses. A couple of issues were raised including lack of extension services and issues with land tenure. The current ratio of extension workers is approximately 500 to one, which limits farmers’ ability to get new information about best practices and new technologies that can improve their agricultural yields. 

But perhaps more critical is the problem of lack of access to credit. Interest rates on even short-term loans to farmers can be as high as 20 percent in Ghana, a problem that puts credit out of reach of most small farmers. Without credit, farmers can’t afford to buy the seeds and other inputs (especially fertilizer) that they need to grow food more efficiently. 

The problem is not so much that banks don’t have the capital needed to sustain lending to large numbers of people. It’s more that farmer’s don’t have collateral to provide against the risk presented by farming. Without something to hedge against potential crop failures, banks aren’t willing to take the chance. Providing farmers with crop insurance, something that is supported by the Government in the United States and other industrial countries, could go a long way in helping farmers grow their business (and grow more food).

The insights shared by Dr.’s Darko and Adu-Dapaa were really helpful in helping to expand our understanding of agriculture in Ghana. Their soft-spoken passion for agriculture and deep love of their country was inspiring. I was pondering just this point on our return flight when the person in the seat next to me asked if I was in Kumasi for business or holiday. When I explained that I had just had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Darko, he remarked that he remembered when Dr. Darko ran for President of Ghana. Somehow this did not make it into the conversation I had the night before, but it made perfect sense.

Comments

[twitter.com/kpscando]

Dr. Darko life has inspired thousands, One Hen is honored to share his story with children around world through www.onehen.org and the book. He is truely an inspirational leader. Thanks for sharing his One Hen story.

[Charles Uphaus]

The subsidy element in U.S. broilers would be what -- cheap corn? Anything else? Did you get into any more detail on this issue?