Abstract:
The study analysed the performance and challenges of the domestic broiler value chain (VC) and its implication for agricultural graduate employment in Ghana. The mixed method of the concurrent nested strategy model was used. The simple random sampling technique was used to select 345 broiler producers in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Bono regions. Census was employed in taking data from 70 feed millers, 40 poultry processors, and 123 live bird sellers and 1,129 final year agriculture students from the University of Cape Coast, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Energy and Natural Resources, and Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development. Structured interview schedules and questionnaire were used to collect data. Which were analysed using statistical techniques including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, as well as ANOVA, SFA translog profit function model, probit and multivariate probit regression models. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance was used to rank actors’ challenges, which included price volatility of maize and soybeans, high cost of feed and competition from cheap poultry meat imports. Broiler producers had gross margin (GM) of GH¢ 28.4 and profit efficiency of 62.9%, a live bird seller’s GM was GH¢ 28.2 and a profit efficiency of 34.4%, whilst a poultry processor had GM of GH¢ 20.9 and a profit efficiency of 79.9%. Significant differences were found in students’ perceived knowledge level in these broiler VC activities, inputs production and distribution, marketing of broiler, provision of support services, and broiler production. On perception, there were significant differences in the constructs economic, government policy and social-cultural perceptions. Students’ choice to engage in the broiler VC was largely driven by having parents in poultry enterprise, knowledge of specific VC activity. Whilst males are more likely to choose broiler VC business as a carrier. It is recommended that agriculture programmes of study in Ghanaian universities be designed based on the value chain concept with a practical approach to teaching and learning to equip students’ become entrepreneurs or employees. The development of a national poultry policy to create an enabling business environment and increase access to market for actors is also recommended.
