LocationsHow a young entrepreneur transformed local egg incubation
Bakari Abdul Majeed happily inspecting his hatched eggs in an incubator with a smile.
Photo @Ernestina Ocansey/ UNDP Ghana
At 21, Bakari Abdul Majeed has already demonstrated remarkable resilience, determination, and an innovative mindset in pursuing his passion for animal rearing and farming. After completing his Senior High School education in Tamale, Ghana, with a focus on Agricultural Science, Bakari was confident about making a significant impact in the poultry industry especially in his community.
Growing up in a community where agriculture is a vital part of daily life, Bakari's fascination with animal husbandry began at a young age. "I always wanted to raise animals, including goats, turkey, and various bird species, on a large scale," he shares. This dream drove him to experiment with hatching fowl eggs at the age of 16 years, despite having limited resources and knowledge.
The Early Days: Trial and Error
Bakari's initial attempts at hatching eggs were met with setbacks. Using a cardboard incubator, he lost all eggs due to overheating. Undeterred, Bakari persevered, convinced that success lay ahead.
Bakari Abdul Majeed, demonstrating how he started hatching his eggs in cardboard box
Photo @Ernestina Ocansey/ UNDP Ghana
“The loss of my eggs was devastating, but I chose not to let the disappointment break me down. Instead, it fueled my determination to persevere, and I'm more resolved than ever to see my dreams come to life”, he narrated.
Bakari's subsequent trials with guinea fowl eggs yielded better results but still faced challenges. Only three out of 30 eggs hatched due to excessive light. This prompted him to conduct extensive research, consulting with local farmers, reading books, and scouring online resources. He realized the importance of regulating temperature and humidity in the incubation process.
The Breakthrough
After months of experimentation, Bakari finally achieved a breakthrough. He designed and built an improved incubator made from wood, incorporating a thermostat to regulate heat. This innovation significantly increased his hatching success rate. The sale of his first batch of hatchlings for 2,000 Ghana Cedis (about $130 USD) was a moment of fulfillment.
“Seeing my chicks hatch was pure joy! This made me realize that the months of perseverance paid off, and my dream finally came alive. Months of tireless effort have been rewarding now”, he added.
After several trails, Majeed finally displays the current state of his innovated incubator with broad smiles and his eggs being hatched fully and not destroyed.
Photo @Ernestina Ocansey/ UNDP Ghana
Vision for the Future
Bakari's vision extends beyond personal success. He aims to establish a large-scale hatchery, leveraging his innovative incubators to meet the growing demand for poultry products in Ghana. His goal is to provide high-quality, affordable chicks to farmers, enhancing food security and economic opportunities in his community.
However, high input costs, particularly electricity, hinder his ability to meet market demands. Bakari Abdul Majeed's innovative idea caught the attention of scouts from iValley Ghana under Young Africa Innovates programme, a flagship initiative supported by Mastercard Foundation and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ghana. Through a strategic partnership, Bakari was identified as a rising talent in the Savannah Region of Ghana.
The Young Africa Innovates Programme is designed to empower young innovators like Bakari, providing a springboard to propel their ideas to new heights with access to critical funding, expert mentorship, and invaluable networking opportunities.
Sustainability and Community Impact
A remarkable aspect of Bakari's entrepreneurial journey is his commitment to sustainability. He utilizes approximately 90% discarded materials to produce his incubators. So far, he has manufactured five units. This innovative approach reduces waste, conserves resources, and inspires others to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
Additionally, Bakari provides training to young enthusiasts interested in the hatchery business, empowering them with knowledge and skills to start their own ventures. His dedication to community development and youth empowerment has earned him recognition as a role model in his community.
Abdul Majeed training one of his trainees.
Photo @Ernestina Ocansey/ UNDP Ghana
Bakari Abdul Majeed’s story exemplifies how resilience, creativity, and dedication can drive meaningful progress. His journey proves that with commitment and effort, anyone can turn their vision into reality and make a lasting impact on their community.
From the left are two officials from iValley Ghana and the third is Allen Anie- the YAI Chief Technical Advisor and next to him is, Majeed Abdul and other team members from UNDP Ghana and iValley Ghana.
Photo @Ernestina Ocansey/ UNDP Ghana
