In the heart of Dormaa Ahenkro, Ghana, a remarkable entrepreneurial journey is unfolding—one that highlights the power of partnership, innovation, and strategic support. Joepek Feeds, a burgeoning enterprise led by Douglas Adu, has not only transformed the poultry feed industry in the region but has also become a source of employment and economic growth for the local community. This is the inspiring story of how Douglas Adu turned a personal challenge into a thriving business, with the support of REP, co-funded by IFAD.
A Poultry Farmer’s Challenge Turned Opportunity
Before venturing into feed production, Douglas Adu was a poultry farmer struggling with the inefficiencies of outsourcing feed milling. The available milling facilities were overburdened, leading to long waiting times that disrupted his farm operations. Frustrated by the delays and inefficiencies, Douglas saw an opportunity to establish his own feed mill, a solution that would not only address his challenges but also benefit other poultry farmers in surrounding communities.
“I was a poultry farmer myself,” Douglas recalls. “Before this factory was established, I used to mill my feed at other places. The difficulty in getting one’s feed milled was a major challenge. Sometimes, I had to wait for days because of the long queues.”
Determined to overcome this hurdle, Douglas approached GEA at Dormaa Ahenkro to discuss his vision of establishing a feed mill. Recognizing the potential impact of his idea, the GEA, through its BAC, guided Douglas through the process of securing funding and technical assistance under the REP.
With the endorsement of Sena, the District Director of BAC, Douglas’s proposal was recommended for a matching grant under the REP. This initiative, designed to support SMEs, required entrepreneurs to provide 40% of the investment, while REP contributed the remaining 60%.
“As part of the preconditions to qualify for this grant, I had to provide counterpart funding of 40%. REP then supported me with 60% of the required amount. Because I already had a wooden structure available, I was directed to Wamfie Rural Bank, where they facilitated the matching grant fund for me in 2018,” Douglas explains.
With an initial grant of GHC 20,000, Joepek Feeds procured its first milling machine and commenced operations in a modest wooden structure. The business started with just three employees but quickly gained traction as more poultry farmers sought their services.
Scaling Up: From a Wooden Structure to a Modern Facility
As demand for Joepek’s feed milling services grew, a new challenge emerged—limited space for customers to store their raw materials before milling. Douglas recognized the need to relocate to a more spacious, purpose-built facility.
Once again, with guidance from GEA and BAC, Douglas approached Wamfie Rural Bank for financial assistance. This time, he secured a loan to construct a permanent building for his operations. By 2021, Joepek Feeds had moved into its newly built facility, positioning itself as a key player in the local agribusiness sector.
However, another bottleneck surfaced: the factory’s single milling machine could not keep up with the increasing customer base, leading to long processing times. To address this, Douglas applied for additional support from REP and was awarded a GHC 45,000 grant, which enabled him to acquire a second milling machine.
“The second machine actually reduced pressure and helped us increase employment from three to five, and now we have ten workers who work with us,” Douglas notes.
Creating a Ripple Effect in the Local Economy
Joepek Feeds has not only improved the poultry farming industry but has also stimulated economic activity in the community. Several micro-businesses have sprung up around the factory, benefiting from the steady flow of customers.
“If you look over there, there’s a woman who sells cooked food to workers and customers,” Douglas points out. “There’s also a new feed store adjacent to the factory. These businesses exist because of the factory.”
Beyond its direct economic impact, Joepek has leveraged training and capacity-building initiatives under REP to enhance its operations. Douglas and his team have received training in business management, bookkeeping, basic accounting, and marketing strategies. These skills have strengthened Joepek’s financial sustainability and operational efficiency.
Embracing Technology for Business Growth
To further enhance productivity and transparency, Joepek Feeds has integrated modern technology into its operations. The company has installed CCTV cameras to monitor activities at the factory in real-time. “Even when I am away, I can track what’s happening at the factory through my phone,” Douglas says.
Looking ahead, Joepek is exploring software solutions with REP to allow customers to track and monitor their feed processing remotely. This initiative aligns with the company’s vision of leveraging technology to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Expansion Plans and Policy Recommendations
With a firm foothold in Dormaa Ahenkro, Douglas is now eyeing expansion into neighboring communities. He plans to establish another feed mill in Atronhwe, reducing the burden on farmers who currently have to travel long distances to access milling services.
Reflecting on his journey, Douglas acknowledges the invaluable support of REP and IFAD. However, he also highlights areas where the program could be improved.
“I appreciate the support, but I think the counterpart funding requirement for the matching grant could be reduced, especially for startups that may not have enough capital,” he suggests. “Additionally, the documentation process for accessing loans and the time taken for disbursement should be reviewed to make it easier for businesses to secure funds.”
A Model for Youth and Agripreneurs
Joepek Feeds stands as a testament to how strategic support, innovation, and perseverance can transform small enterprises into industry leaders. Douglas Adu’s story is an inspiration for young entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with the right support and determination, it is possible to turn challenges into thriving business ventures.
Through IFAD’s support under the REP, Joepek Feeds has not only enhanced poultry farming in Dormaa Ahenkro but has also created employment opportunities and stimulated local economic growth. As Douglas continues to innovate and expand, his journey serves as a blueprint for other aspiring agripreneurs looking to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
