Imported Chicken Value Chain in an Obesogenic Ghanaian Food Environment: Knowledge, Practices and Perceptions of Actors

Abstract

In view of the critical role of food value chain stakeholders in the public effort to prevent unhealthy practices that give rise to high incidence of obesity and other health risks, this study examined imported chicken value chain practices, knowledge and perceptions of key actors. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques was adopted to select candidates for personal interviews. The participants were twenty (20) wholesalers and thirty (30) food vendors who use imported frozen chicken for food preparation. The UNIDO framework was adopted to generate a comprehensive value chain map for imported frozen chicken. The study revealed that the imported chicken value chain is controlled by a few importers and large scale distributors with cold storage facilities and distribution logistics. Wholesaler and retailer stakeholders have good knowledge about (un) healthy food cooking and handling practices. However, a dichotomy exists between knowledge level and actual cooking and handling practices, resulting in the high prevalence of unhealthy practices. General indifference exists among food vendors about the contribution of their cooking and handling practices to the risk of obesity. The results have implications for education and training for food vendors and public health promotion to reduce the risk of obesity.