In the heart of Asikuma, a small town in Ghana’s Central Region, a young entrepreneur is defying the odds to build a thriving poultry business. Seth Gyemfi, the founder of Grace Farms, has turned his childhood dream of becoming a poultry farmer into a growing enterprise—one that not only provides him with a livelihood but also contributes to food security and economic growth in his community.
From an early age, Seth harbored a deep passion for poultry farming. He envisioned a future where he could raise healthy birds, supply fresh poultry products to his community, and ultimately establish himself as a leading figure in Ghana’s agricultural sector. However, like many young entrepreneurs, Seth’s journey was fraught with financial and logistical hurdles.
Determined to gain the necessary expertise, Seth embarked on a two-year apprenticeship in poultry farming in 2019. Under the guidance of experienced farmers, he learned the intricacies of raising birds, managing farm operations, and navigating the challenges of the poultry business. With these skills in hand, he was eager to establish his own farm—but he soon encountered one of the biggest obstacles faced by many aspiring entrepreneurs: access to finance.
Despite his determination, Seth struggled to secure the necessary funding to start his business. His initial attempts to obtain financial support from private sources proved futile, as most investors and lenders required him to have an existing business before extending assistance. Even his first approach to the BAC in Asikuma did not yield the support he had hoped for.
“I was told I needed to have something in place before I could access support,” Seth recalls. “That was a difficult moment for me, but I didn’t let it discourage me.”
Undeterred, Seth took matters into his own hands. With the little savings he had, he started small—raising a handful of birds in a modest structure. His resilience paid off when the Brakwabreman BAC, recognizing his initiative and potential, extended a loan to help him develop his farm’s infrastructure. This financial boost allowed him to expand his stock to over 400 birds, setting the stage for further growth.
Growth and Expansion with REP Support
In 2023, Seth’s hard work and commitment bore even greater fruit when he secured an additional facility of GHC15,000 through REP. This enabled him to procure an incubator with a capacity to hatch 1,500 eggs at a time—a significant milestone for Grace Farms.
Recognizing the importance of genetic quality in poultry farming, Seth also sourced 250 high-quality parent stocks from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). This, combined with his existing stock, brought his total bird count to 650. His focus on breeding strong, healthy chicks has positioned him well for long-term sustainability and success.
“I decided in January 2024 to focus on building my parent stock because it serves as the foundation of my business,” Seth explains.
With the continued support from REP, Grace Farms now has the capacity to produce at least 550 birds per week. This growth has not only improved Seth’s financial stability but has also contributed to the local economy by creating employment opportunities.
Sustainability and Business Strategy
Despite the progress, Seth remains mindful of financial prudence. He has chosen to avoid taking on additional loans and instead focuses on reinvesting internally generated funds to expand his farm. He uses his personal taxi as a means of transporting farm supplies, reducing operational costs and ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently.
His long-term goal is to raise 2,120 birds by 2025—a target he is confident of achieving with the right financial backing.
“Although I initially had to sell some of my birds due to financial constraints, I’m now poised for growth,” he says. “With sufficient capital, I’ll be able to fully establish myself in the market.”
Formalizing Operations for Future Growth
Seth acknowledges that while he is yet to formally register Grace Farms with the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC), his operations are already structured in a professional manner. He credits REP for equipping him with crucial business management skills that have helped him streamline farm operations and plan for long-term expansion.
“While I haven’t officially registered my business, I’m focused on building a solid foundation,” he says. “The training I’ve received through REP has been instrumental in shaping how I manage my farm.”
Beyond business, Seth is also making an impact on his community. Despite being unmarried, he has taken on the responsibility of caring for a child he has adopted. His vision extends beyond his own success—he hopes to mentor young people and inspire others to venture into poultry farming.
“On a personal note, I’m not yet married, but I’ve adopted a child who I care for,” he shares. “I hope to continue growing so that I can support more people in my community.”
He also aspires to collaborate further with institutions like BAC to secure additional support for infrastructure development and affordable animal feed procurement.
Like many poultry farmers, Seth faces a major challenge: the high cost of feed. This remains a significant barrier to scaling up operations, but he is hopeful that with the right partnerships and policy support, solutions can be found to reduce costs and make poultry farming more viable for small-scale farmers.
“The high cost of feed is one of the biggest challenges for poultry farmers like myself,” he explains. “With the right support, we can overcome this and build a more vibrant poultry industry in the district.”
At just 35 years old, Seth Gyemfi is a shining example of what can be achieved through perseverance, innovation, and strategic support. His journey from an aspiring farmer to the owner of a growing poultry enterprise underscores the importance of programmes like REP in empowering young entrepreneurs and fostering rural development.
“As a young entrepreneur, I have big dreams—to become a leading figure in Ghana’s poultry industry,” he says. “I believe in the power of hard work and dedication, and I’m committed to making my vision a reality.”
With continued support from REP, Seth Gyemfi and Grace Farms are well on their way to becoming a success story that not only transforms his own life but also contributes to a thriving poultry sector in Ghana.
