Kumasi Bushmeat Traders Adopt Safer Handling Practices

For the women operating at the heart of Ghana's bushmeat trade, the morning routine of preparing grasscutters, monkeys, and duikers is more than a livelihood; it is the primary source of income for school fees and household stability. However, historical reliance on ancestral handling methods left many vulnerable to foodborne illnesses and poor sanitation. Recognizing these systemic gaps, the FAO's Better Nutrition programme bypassed generic solutions, opting instead to consult directly with the Bushmeat Traders Association to map the specific challenges of their daily supply chain.

Over 50 traders participated in hands-on workshops covering environmental sanitation and safe manufacturing, complemented by the provision of essential gear including insulated ice chests, gloves, and aprons. The impact was immediate. Beyond the cleaner workspaces and standardized protective equipment, the initiative fostered a shift in market culture, summarized by the traders' new Twi-language slogan: "FAO, Yɛ Yɛ Neat!" By integrating these women into a formal framework of food safety, the project has effectively transformed the informal economy into a more resilient link within the national food system.