A total of 7,708 poultry birds, made up of 5,216 broilers and 2,492 layers, have been distributed to 159 farmers in the Old Tafo Municipality of the Ashanti Region under the government’s Nkoko Nkitikiti poultry initiative, with municipal authorities confirming that more farmers will be enrolled in the coming days.

The distribution forms part of government efforts to improve household incomes, boost local poultry production, and strengthen food security at the community level.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement with farmers, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Old Tafo, Mr. Abubakar Sadiq, said the programme is helping to reduce poverty while encouraging small-scale poultry farming.

“The Nkoko Kitikiti programme will be changing lives in Old Tafo. More farmers will be supported very soon as government remains committed to improving livelihoods and food security,” he said.

Mr. Sadiq explained that the initiative is designed to support women, youth, and vulnerable households, providing them with starter poultry inputs to begin or expand small-scale farming activities.

He urged beneficiaries to take good care of the birds and use the opportunity to grow sustainable poultry businesses that can support their families.

The Municipal Director of Agriculture, Mr. Fred Anderson, also highlighted the importance of the programme in addressing unemployment and improving nutrition within households.

“Nkoko Kitikiti is about creating income, improving nutrition, and building skills in poultry management,” Mr. Anderson explained.

According to him, the Department of Agriculture has been providing technical support and extension services to ensure that beneficiaries follow proper poultry management practices.

“Our officers are on the ground to guide farmers on feeding, housing, and disease identification and management. This is to make sure the birds survive and farmers get the expected benefits,” he added.

Mr. Anderson further indicated that the department is compiling data on additional interested farmers who meet the programme’s requirements.

“We are still registering farmers, and very soon, more qualified beneficiaries will receive support under the next phase of the programme,” he said.

Farmers who have already received the Nkoko Kitikiti support expressed appreciation to the government and municipal authorities, noting that the programme has reduced their financial burden and created new income opportunities.

The Old Tafo Municipal Assembly has assured residents that it will continue working closely with the Department of Food and Agriculture to expand the programme and ensure that more households benefit from government agricultural interventions.