Analysis of the milk value chains in Ghana and Senegal: What can we learn?

In the absence of a significant increase in domestic milk production, Ghana and Senegal heavily depend on milk powder and other dairy products imports from EU member countries. Actors in the West African dairy sector have come under increasing pressure to compete with the cheap imported milk powder on their local markets. Therefore, this research study was intended to map and compare the structure of two milk value chains in Ghana and Senegal. For the collection of primary data, in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants. A total of 59 actors along the milk value chains were sampled and interviewed and the data was descriptively analyzed. The study results reveal that the local fresh milk value chain in Ghana is entirely separated from the milk powder value chain. Ghana's local milk value chain is informal, simple, and not well-developed compared to the imported milk powder value chain. The main actors in the fresh milk value chains are the input suppliers, producers (intensive, semi-intensive, extensive), collectors, processors, street vendors, financial and other services providers. The value chain that depends on imported milk powder is extensive compared to the local milk value chain. Its key players are importers, re-packagers, re-constitutors, processors, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. In Senegal, the key actors are limited in number and include input suppliers, producers (pastoral, agro-pastoral, peri-urban), collectors, processors, importers, wholesalers, small retailers (small kiosks, shops etc.). Overall, the value addition practices were low as compared to the potential available for dairy production. Traditional milk processing is more dominant in both countries, and herders' wives transform fresh milk into butter cheese (known as wagashi) or curdled milk. The primary constraints identified in both countries are an insufficient supply of fresh milk in the dry season, high transport fares due to long distances to the milk collectors, lack of storage facilities, lack of credit facilities to the dairy value chain actors, insufficient extension support, poor road networks, and competition from imported milk. Nevertheless, the strong preference of consumers for fresh milk-based products in both coun-tries presents a great opportunity to the local dairy value chain actors

Milking challenges while drinking foreign milk: the case of Ghana’s dairy sector

While the domestic milk production sector of Ghana remains stagnant over the years, dairy processing on the other hand is continually witnessing growth relying largely on milk powder and other dairy products imports mainly from EU member countries. The EU is blamed for the underdevelopment of the domestic dairy sector of many African nations. However, evidence that either prove or refute these growing criticisms are missing. This study was thus initiated to examine Ghana’s dairy sector with an emphasis on those parts of the value chain where imported milk powder is used. The study shows that the dairy processing industry is continually expanding relying largely on milk powder imports mainly from EU member countries. Also, processors expect an increase in consumer preferences for more diversified dairy products in the near future. This implies further growth of the processing industry which already relies largely on imported input. The study identified myriads of challenges facing the Ghanaian dairy sector which altogether contribute to its inability to contribute to the processing industry’s needs. Notwithstanding, any attempt to address the challenges of the sector should focus not only on economic and political aspects such as self-sufficiency, sovereignty, and trade dependency but also climate conditions, the use of natural resources and their subsequent environmental impacts should be considered

“Value creation pays”: a business model canvas approach to improve post-production activities in Senegal’s broiler industry

The chicken production sector of Senegal has witnessed a significant growth after the ban on imported chicken meat was enacted in 2006. Nevertheless, the post-production sector which entails processing, distribution and marketing of chicken meat remains almost undeveloped. This study was carried out with an aim of first assessing activities in the post-production chain in detail, and second, proposing solutions for upgrade dwelling on the Business Model Canvas. As assumed, this study finds very minimal value addition activities in the chain. Moreover, processing, distribution and marketing activities pose significant health threats to consumers. Overall, an expansion of the cold chain and processing of broiler meat into pieces is recommended to ensure food safety and product diversity and accessibility. The business model canvas describes recommendations for improving activities in the chicken meat value chain and focuses on collaboration, sustainability, and scalability. The jobs created at the level of production due to the import ban could be of great importance to the economy of Senegal. For this reason, activities in the post-production chain should be given the needed attention

Measuring sustainability of conservation and conventional practices in maize production in Ghana

Scientists and researchers worldwide have recommended Conservation Agriculture as one that has the potential to promote sustainability in agriculture. This paper attempts to measure and compare the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of both conservation and conventional practices used for maize production in the northern region of Ghana employing the Multi-attribute Value Theory (MAVT) approach.Results of the study reveal minimum tillage and the combined use of minimum tillage and integrated organic-inorganic fertilizer application as sustainable practices scoring a minimum of 0.5 and above for the three pillars (economic, social, and environmental) of sustainability. Despite these scores, the z-test of difference in means of the conservation practices and conventional ones were all insignificant, indicating that the conservation practices in use were not different from the conventional ones in terms of their contribution to sustainable maize production. Technical assistance and training that aids in ensuring the appropriate application of conservation practices should be ensured if the goal of sustainability is to be realized

Does awareness and concern for the environment influence the use of detrimental inputs? A study of maize farmers in Ghana

Sustainable food systems are necessary not only as a channel for addressing the food security needs of the world’s growing population, but are also crucial in ensuring that the needs of future generations are not compromised. This study examined the influence of environmental awareness and concern about the use of detrimental inputs in crop production. The study involved 400 maize farmers from the Northern Region of Ghana, and made use of multivariate multiple linear regression and the translog profit function for the data analysis. The results show that farmers with characteristics including being male, the head of the household, the decision maker on the farm, receiving frequent extension visits and being the owner of the farm, along with the nature of the farm plot, significantly determine the level of farmers’ environmental awareness and concern. Moreover, environmental awareness and concern have a significant effect on the use of detrimental inputs in production. The results contribute to an understanding of the importance of knowledge in facilitating actions towards environmental conservation. Environmental awareness campaigns are thus relevant to the promotion of sustainable agricultural production and should be championed by governments, development agencies and NGOs

Does awareness and concern for the environment influence the use of detrimental inputs? A study of maize farmers in Ghana

Sustainable food systems are necessary not only as a channel for addressing the food security needs of the world’s growing population, but are also crucial in ensuring that the needs of future generations are not compromised. This study examined the influence of environmental awareness and concern about the use of detrimental inputs in crop production. The study involved 400 maize farmers from the Northern Region of Ghana, and made use of multivariate multiple linear regression and the translog profit function for the data analysis. The results show that farmers with characteristics including being male, the head of the household, the decision maker on the farm, receiving frequent extension visits and being the owner of the farm, along with the nature of the farm plot, significantly determine the level of farmers’ environmental awareness and concern. Moreover, environmental awareness and concern have a significant effect on the use of detrimental inputs in production. The results contribute to an understanding of the importance of knowledge in facilitating actions towards environmental conservation. Environmental awareness campaigns are thus relevant to the promotion of sustainable agricultural production and should be championed by governments, development agencies and NGOs

Consumer behavior towards imported dairy products: a cross-cultural analysis of products from three origins in Ghana and Senegal

The growing exports of European dairy products to West Africa is raising concerns globally with regards to its role in the retarded growth of the dairy sectors in recipient nations. Focusing on consumers, this study examines the influence of product origin on consumer behavior in Ghana and Senegal, two developing countries with high patterns of dairy imports mainly from Europe. A total of 312 and 532 households were sampled for the study in Ghana and Senegal respectively. In the analysis, we used descriptive statistics, Principal Component Analysis, and a logit model. The results show that socio-demographic characteristics, especially age, household size, education and income play crucial roles in the consumption of local, domestic and imported dairy products. Moreover, product origin influence consumer perceptions, and hence preferences. Consumers generally reveal a positive attitude towards local dairy products in both countries. However, final purchase decisions as the study show are to a large extent influenced by product price and availability, encouraging the consumption of imported and domestic products. Milk powder and its domestically processed products obviously play a crucial role in ensuring a reliable access to affordable dairy products in developing countries, and in this facet, their imports are encouraged. However, hygienic handling and processing of local milk in addition to good packaging and labelling are essential

Origin and dairy consumption in West Africa: A cross-cultural analysis of consumer behaviour

AbstractThe growing exports of European dairy products to West Africa is globally raising concerns with regard to its role in the retarded growth of the local milk sector in recipient nations. The impact of such imports on the local milk value chain and the competitiveness of local products have been extensively researched. However, the demand side, specifically consumer perceptions and preferences has been largely neglected. This study therefore focuses on identifying consumer perceptions, preferences, and attitudes in this context. Specifically, the study identifies factors influencing the choice of dairy products from local, domestic, and imported origins with data gathered from 312 and 532 households in Ghana and Senegal respectively. Focusing on yoghurt as the sole product coming from these three origins, we find a differing influence of consumer attitudes and perceptions on consumption frequencies. Although ethnocentric attitudes were exhibited, it did not limit purchases to local yoghurts, contrasting existing literature. Purchase decision as we find is largely influenced by product availability encouraging the consumption of domestic and imported products. Considering the crucial role of imported dairy products in ensuring a reliable access to affordable dairy products in developing countries, their imports are important

Consumer behavior towards imported dairy products: a cross-cultural analysis of products from three origins in Ghana and Senegal

The growing exports of European dairy products to West Africa is raising concerns globally with regards to its role in the retarded growth of the dairy sectors in recipient nations. Focusing on consumers, this study examines the influence of product origin on consumer behavior in Ghana and Senegal, two developing countries with high patterns of dairy imports mainly from Europe. A total of 312 and 532 households were sampled for the study in Ghana and Senegal respectively. In the analysis, we used descriptive statistics, Principal Component Analysis, and a logit model. The results show that socio-demographic characteristics, especially age, household size, education and income play crucial roles in the consumption of local, domestic and imported dairy products. Moreover, product origin influence consumer perceptions, and hence preferences. Consumers generally reveal a positive attitude towards local dairy products in both countries. However, final purchase decisions as the study show are to a large extent influenced by product price and availability, encouraging the consumption of imported and domestic products. Milk powder and its domestically processed products obviously play a crucial role in ensuring a reliable access to affordable dairy products in developing countries, and in this facet, their imports are encouraged. However, hygienic handling and processing of local milk in addition to good packaging and labelling are essential

Doing it right to alleviate poverty: application of the sustainable food value chain development framework to Ghana’s poultry sector

Some international organizations and civil society activists are blaming exporting countries of frozen chicken products for the underdevelopment of the domestic poultry sectors in developing nations. However, concrete evidence that supports or rejects these criticisms is missing. Against this background, this study was conducted to examine the performance of Ghana’s poultry sector by employing quantitative and qualitative methods. Results of our study highlight the poor economic, social, and environmental performance of the Ghanaian poultry sector. Moreover, weak vertical and horizontal coordination among actors in the value chain in addition to low commitment from supporting stakeholders emerge as the root causes of the challenges the sector faces. We propose an integrated set of sustainable solutions to support the development and growth of Ghana’s poultry value chain. Besides, continuous mutual cooperation is required from all actors and stakeholders in the value chain who operate in transparency and trust