Eni Ghana launches economic diversification project in Western region

Nothing less than 12,750 poultry birds have arrived in Sanzule, Western Region, as part of Eni Ghana’s initiatives to support the diversification of the local economy.

They were only a day old, and after a brief period of acclimation to get used to the new environment, they were distributed to the 25 households that chose poultry among the different options provided by the Livelihood Restoration Plan.

The chicks are from a fertile breed: in less than six months they will start laying eggs on a daily basis 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 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.

This plan has been jointly designed with the beneficiaries and is part of the effort of OCTP joint venture – formed by Eni Ghana, GNPC and Vitol – to support diversification and growth of the economy in the region.

Based on an investment of $3.9m, the program includes activities in the areas of continuous cropping, livestock husbandry, aquaculture and fishing, processors, and training.

Participants choose the options they wish to develop, and 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.

Demonstration farms for aquaculture and livestock keeping have been constructed and equipped with fish, livestock and tools, and are hosting training activities.

Facilities for hairdressing, food, maize and cassava processing and soap making have been built, whilst structures for dressmaking, welding, bakery, cold storage, pig sties, advanced smokers, carpentry and masonry are near completion.

Vocation and technical training activities are taking place in a local professional school in Sanzule that has been equipped for the purpose; once all the pieces of training are completed the training 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.