About 12,750-day-old poultry chicks are to be distributed to 25 households that chose poultry among the different options provided by the Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP) of Eni Ghana, as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility strategies in Sanzule, Western Region.
The chicken, sourced from a fertile breed will start laying eggs daily within six months and will continue to do so for about 18 months, providing households with a steady source of revenue.
Besides a batch of layer chicken, every household will also get chicken coops, supplies of breeders, feed and drugs, veterinary services, and specific training, mentoring and coaching.
Other households
Other 38 households chose a similar program focusing on piggery, while 39 chose sheep rearing. Aquaculture was chosen by 62 households that will benefit by the set-up and management of fish ponds to be harvested and sold to generate revenue. Catfish has been identified as the most appropriate choice for the ponds to start with – the fish is well adapted to the area, has higher survival rate than tilapia, and enjoys strong demand on local markets.
Rationale
In a press statement signed by Mary Bentuma Akotua, External Communications Officer – Sub Saharan Africa Region, this forms part of Eni Ghana’s initiatives to support the diversification of the local economy.
This plan is part of the efforts of the Offshore Cape Three Points, OCTP joint venture partners – Eni Ghana, GNPC and Vitol – to support diversification and growth of the region’s economy.
Modalities
The $3.9 million investment includes activities in continuous cropping, animal husbandry, aquaculture and fishing, processors, and training. Participants choose the options they wish to develop, while the JV provides capacity building, direct investment and support for three years, to the benefit of 205 households who have been directly impacted by OCTP activities, for a total of more than 1400 persons.
Training activities
Demonstration farms for aquaculture and livestock keeping have been constructed and equipped with fish, livestock and tools, and are hosting training activities. Facilities for hair dressing, food, maize and cassava processing and soap making have been built, whilst structures for dress making, welding, bakery, cold storage, pig sties, advanced smokers, carpentry and masonry are near completion.
A local professional school in Sanzule, equipped for purpose, is currently engaging the youth in vocation and technical training activities. When the trainings are completed, equipment will be formally handed over to the school.
The LRP was developed in compliance with International Finance Corporation (IFC) standards, and activities are constantly monitored by the World Bank and IFC.
By Kafui Gale-Zoyiku