GRASSCUTTERS

Here's a business opportunity you may be interested in investing in through Mission Resource: raising grasscutters. 

When you think of African wildlife, you tend to picture lions, giraffes, hippos and monkeys. If you're like me, you are not so familiar with the grasscutter.

The scientific name of the animal is Thryonomys swinderianus. Also known as a cane rat.

They can reach 2 feet in length and 11 pounds in weight. 

So why raise giant rats? 

For food, of course.

Grasscutter meat is considered a delicacy. And when it comes to nutrition, it is a healthier alternative to other meats: low in cholesterol and high in protein, calcium, iron, and phosphorous. 

Our director in Ghana, Emmanuel, tells me that a full grown adult grasscutter can fetch 300 Ghana cidis (currently equal to $30 US). And even a 2 month-old grasscutter can be sold for 150 cidis. That's excellent money for something that breeds easily in captivity and doesn't require any special feed - just grass.

Emmanuel is currently experimenting with raising grasscutters and will be looking for an enterprising businessman or woman to take on some of the offspring his current group is producing.