Assessing the Value Chain of Guinea Fowl in the Upper East Region of Ghana

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the value chain of the dwindling local guinea fowl sub-sector in the Upper East Region. The study adopted the mixed-method-approach using qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques. The qualitative research comprised of focus group discussions and interviews conducted whilst the quantitative research made use of a survey questionnaire administered to a sample size of one hundred and fifteen(115) respondents. The Pearson correlation coefficients showed that correlations exist among the paired variables whereas controlling one variable (actor) had little or no effect on the strength of the relationships. Majority of respondents believed that it is the farmers who decide what is to be produced whilst a few respondents believed that it is the consumers who determine what is to be produced in the guinea fowl value chain. A narrow majority of the respondents strongly agreed with the assertion that guinea fowl production is a very lucrative business. The findings established that NGOs played supporting roles along the value chain. The study recommended a holistic and proactive approach to designing support programmes to salvage the guinea fowl value chain in the Upper East Region.