Poultry farmers in Ghana are raising concerns over the widening gap between the prices they receive for eggs at the farm gate and the prices consumers pay at retail markets.
The farmers say they continue to sell their produce at relatively low prices, while consumers are forced to pay significantly more, raising concerns about pricing practices and the distribution of profits along the egg supply chain.
The situation has renewed calls for a review of the egg marketing system, particularly amid rising production costs, including feed, medication and day-old chicks, which continue to put pressure on poultry farmers.
Industry stakeholders have also pointed to the possible impact of middlemen, transportation and other distribution-related expenses on retail prices, questioning how much of the final price goes to producers.
Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association, Mohammad Ali, says addressing the disparity is crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the poultry industry.
Stakeholders are therefore calling for greater transparency in the egg supply chain and improved market arrangements to guarantee fair returns for farmers while making eggs more affordable for consumers.
They believe a more efficient distribution system could help bridge the price gap, protect producers’ livelihoods and improve access to eggs, an important source of protein for many Ghanaian households.
Story by Ama Frimpomaa
