GHANA: Dumping of chickens undermines farmers

Issue 

In recent years, cheap imported chicken from the US and Europe — usually fatty chicken parts in unlabelled packages — has flooded Ghana's market, leading to a collapse in demand for local poultry. In 2004, an estimated 40,000 tonnes of chicken was imported, mostly from the European Union, where farmers receive substantial subsidies. This "dumping" is threatening the livelihoods of more than 400,000 poultry farmers in Ghana. Domestic farmers' share of the poultry market shrunk from 95% in 1992 to just 11% in 2001. Two years ago, the tariffs on imported chicken were raised from 20% to 40%, yet within two months this was reversed, under pressure from the International Monetary Fund. For more information visit <http://www.corpwatch.org>.

From Green Left Weekly, June 22, 2005.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.