In recognition of World Egg Day, the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health program is highlighting how U.S. soybean growers lead trade and development for U.S. soy in Ghana through extension agent Harriet Agyekum.
Growth of the poultry industry in Ghana builds demand for U.S. soy for feed. Through this initiative, WISHH fills gaps in the country’s existing government extension services by delivering targeted technical assistance to poultry producers and feed processors.
Through checkoff-funded support by Illinois soybean growers, Agyekum works in Ghana’s key domestic poultry production zones and provides support to farmers across the country with on-site visits and remote guidance. Her work has led to notable improvements in farm management practices, enhanced layer and broiler production, and more efficient chicken processing techniques.
A key focus of WISHH’s extension services is poultry feed and nutrition, with particular emphasis on the adoption of commercial soy-based poultry feeds. Agyekum consistently recommends U.S. soy as a premium protein source for feed processors and poultry producers, valued for its quality, reliability, and accessibility. Through this work, Agyekum offers technical support in feed formulation, ingredient mixing, and proper storage, which are all critical in Ghana’s tropical climate. In addition, Agyekum promotes the implementation of biosecurity measures, assists farmers in identifying and responding to common poultry diseases, and coordinates with local extension officers, veterinary agents, feed mill operators, and universities to facilitate training and capacity building.
“In many ways, WISHH work is an extension of its WISHH’s AMPLIFIES (Assisting the Management of Poultry and Layer Industries with Feed Improvements and Efficiency Strategies) Project,” said Agyekum. “AMPLIFIES was designed to increase the availability of quality poultry feed, improve its accessibility to poultry producers, and expand the trade of poultry products to increased opportunities for U.S. soy. Now soybean growers like those from Illinois are furthering that work.”
These efforts address the diverse challenges facing poultry farmers and industry stakeholders across the country. Importantly, it helps support WISHH’s strongest partners in the country to grow the industry. Major producers such as FMB Farms, Harimat Farms, Wireko Farms, and key supply chain partner Yedent Agro Group benefit directly from tailored technical advice on feed milling and production practices, which in turn strengthens their service to customers and boosts overall sector performance.
Through technical training and innovation, soybean growers are bridging Ghana’s protein gap and advancing the growth of the poultry industry while creating new trade opportunities for U.S. soy.