Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40389952›Full record

ArticleBMC veterinary research2025

Exploring the pork production chain in urban Ghana: insights from focus group discussions.

Henry Ofosu Addo, Ayodele O Majekodunmi, Antwi Joseph Barimah, Husein Bagulo, Florence Korley, Prince Philip Ankapong Asare, Langbong Bimi

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC veterinary research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Henry Ofosu AddoDepartment of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. henry.ofosu@stu.edu.gh.
Ayodele O MajekodunmiLivestock and Poultry Research Centre, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, and Ajisefini Consulting, Accra, Ghana.
Antwi Joseph BarimahCollege of Health, Yamfo, Yamfo, Ghana.
Husein BaguloLivestock and Poultry Research Centre, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, and Ajisefini Consulting, Accra, Ghana.
Florence KorleyVeterinary Services, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Accra, Ghana.
Prince Philip Ankapong AsareEnvironmental Health Unit, Tema Metropolitan Assembly, Tema, Ghana.
Langbong BimiDepartment of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionIn urban areas of Ghana, key aspects of the pork production chain, such as pig handling, slaughter practices, and transportation, are critical yet often overlooked aspects of public health and food safety. Despite their significance, only a limited number of studies exist on the dynamics and implications of these practices. This study aims to address knowledge gaps regarding pig-keeping and slaughter practices in Ghana, specifically addressing pig-keeping, handling, slaughter practices, and transportation along the pork production chain.

methodsThis phenomenological qualitative research paradigm utilised eight (8) focus group discussions (FGDs) with pig handlers and slaughterhouse workers in Accra and the Upper East Region of Ghana. Five (5) FGDs were conducted with pig-keepers, and three (3) FGDs were conducted with slaughterhouse workers. Three (3) participatory observations were conducted, probing study participants' views and the information they provided against their actual behaviour. This was to ascertain pig-keeping practices, the slaughter process, means of transport to vending sites, and hygiene and sanitation issues. Four (4) key informant interviews were conducted-two with veterinary officers and two with environmental health officers-to gain insights into their respective supervisory roles.

resultsThe study results indicated that most of the pigs were housed in makeshift structures, and free-ranging was widespread to reduce the cost of feeding. It was observed that the activities of pig farmers and slaughterhouses need to be adequately supervised, leading to widespread poor practices. Little knowledge of zoonotic diseases was present among actors in the pork production chain in Ghana.

conclusionsThis study underscores the importance of addressing pig handling and slaughter practices as integral components of urban food systems in Ghana. By engaging stakeholders and raising awareness, policymakers can foster sustainable solutions to enhance food safety, protect public health, and promote animal welfare in urban Ghana.

Indexed as

Animal HusbandryAbattoirsAdultAnimalsAnimal WelfareFemaleFocus GroupsGhanaHumansMaleSwineTransportationFree-ranchingKeeping animals indoorsPigsPre-slaughter handlingSlaughter

Identifiers

PMID40389952
PMCPMC12090519

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.