The Ostrich Industry in Ghana: Prospects and Performance

The number of ostrich farms in Ghana has increased lately as a result of the high and faster financial returns these farms are accruing. This study assesses the performance of MacBaron Ostrich Farm by examining the trends in its output, operating performance, profitability, market structure, and future projections of income. Generally, there have been decreasing trends in meat output, value of hide exports, and sales at monthly rates of 0.58 percent, 0.25 percent, and 0.22 percent, respectively. Despite these low and declining trends, the profit level over the years has been increasing at 19.6 percent annually. The structure of the ostrich market mimics an oligopolistic market. Income projections using the three-year moving average revealed that the business will still be profitable over the next five years. The study recommends that MacBaron diversify its output by exploring other markets for ostrich products, such as processing the feathers and eggshells, and by increasing the bird slaughter rate since profit is a function of output. Water and electricity costs should be reduced by the use of energy saving bulbs and the maintenance of all thermostats in electrical systems in the brooder house. High-pressure, low-volume cleaning systems and nozzles on all water sprays should be employed The study further recommends that proper records be kept to ensure good management and planning of inventory.