Deadly Chickens

Deadly Chickens (2015): Benin's impoverished population survive on imported, cheap frozen chickens from Europe and the US. But relying on cast-off chickens is putting local farmers out of work and posing serious health risks.

For similar stories, see:
Imported Chicken is Driving African Farmers Out of Business HD
The Dirty Truth About The UK's Poultry Industry
Pig MRSA Superbug Spreading To Humans Through Pork (2015)

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In Benin, 150,000 tonnes of foreign poultry passes through the main port every year. For the countries of origin, it is a convenient way to offload tough old hens. While for the people of Benin, the cheap and widely available chicken is a welcome source of meat. "Laying hens are a bit tough for European tastes", says importer Kenneth Adiho, "but we love them". However, the imported meat has dealt a heavy blow to local farmers. Once a profession for young entrepreneurs, Agriculture is now doomed. "The importing of frozen chicken is killing the youth and they will react by flocking to the Western world", predicts one out-of-work farmer. In a country where nearly 50% are under 15 this could have serious implications. Moreover, defrosted, exposed to sunlight, and then refrozen, the poultry risks being infected by bacteria that can cause diseases like salmonella. There is yet to be a national survey on the dangers of the meat and in the markets sanitation inspections rarely take place.

Wild Angle Productions – Ref. 6369

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[lulze]

This video should be educational for people that don't understand the impact of the global economy and why people immigrate for better opportunities. Our governments are selling us out.

[PricillaMac]

I really feel it for these young adults.. they are trying so hard.. they are good people and their Government representatives really need to encourage and support them.

[menosbbgirl]

16:13 Gideon is the epitome of a MAN to me. An honest and hard worker. Not afraid to get his hands dirty. May God bless him.

[greatnessajj]

This inspired me to keep pushing for farming. I live in Ghana starting a poultry farm. I hope to be big to help west Africa ✊🏾🖤

[DrKniz]

People will soon realize that it's better to eat local food than those frozen pet meat. The lady was quite surprised to hear that the meat she sells is used for feeding animals.

[aickavon]

you know I really like this documentary. They didn't just call this guy 'a local farmer'. They called him an agriculture engineer because he's really trying to break an industry with quality, that's attempting to drown him in quantity.

[cemetarymama]

The government should help it's own farmers. How sad. I would gladly buy chickens from Gideon. His chickens look so well cared for and aren't living on top of eachother like in American farms.

[truitons]

big respect for the Young dudes working hard to achieve something . mad respect.

[thisislaflaretv]

"it's good that I make a little bit of money but I'm not proud" that was profound

[reginasanders]

That dude should be making way more money. He should be very successful. He grows and does everything by hand.from start to finish. SMH you know he has the best chicken.. breaks my 💓

[Jojohumf]

Those young men are the future of that nation. Smart and business minded. I wish they had more funding

[jeninunu]

Time African leaders started valuing their own people's effort and inspiring them.

[janng]

Gideon, mighty man of valour. May God remember you as you press forward

[FilK]

Gedeon is my man, he is my hero, long live Gedeon, keep on treating nicely the animals and providing quality. You should have help from the state definitely!

[docmdb]

Omg it's so inspiring to see these guys trying to make and fix their economy even when things are very grim for them.. good luck you can do it!

[eileen]

Broke my heart seeing that woman hearing chicken brought to Benin the French use for dogs. You could see how it upset her. Poor thing. God bless her. God bless all of these Benin ppl.

[FreshtexBlackman]

I like Gideon's family, I wish him the best with his endeavors.

[alisbegovic]

African countries should make business with Eastern European countries like Bosnia Herzegovina who never came to colonize your people. We are a poor but dignified European country and we won’t sell you anything except what we would feed our own families with. Our chicken is organic and non-hormonal and halal slaughtered. Greetings to beautiful African people. We can also support you with know-how to become independent

[ThePhantomSafetyPin]

I'm constantly astonished by these documentaries on, and my experiences with, Africans and African immigrants who came to the USA. They're such determined, hard-working, genuine people. That guy who sold the frozen chicken was making lots of money for someone in his country, but he's still hoping for better so his country can finally begin working for itself, rather than rely on scraps from other countries. That woman who runs the stall is easily harder-working than most of the people I know over here. I just wish there were better conditions and more quality inspection there. I have no doubt there's a lot of smart, hard-working Benin people who if given the chances we have in the West, could benefit their country with an education in the food sciences.

[clairewood]

It’s crazy that Gideon has to try to make his beautiful fresh hand reared free range chickens look like factory farmed frozen chicken to compete. Insane.