by Linda Boateng | Oct 4, 2024 | News
The Deputy Director of the Greater Accra Agricultural Directorate, Mrs. Rogatta Antwi-Baadu, has commended Agrihouse Foundation for its dedication to enhancing the Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibitions since assuming leadership from the USAID Advance Project in 2018.
Speaking at the launch of the 14th Annual Pre-Harvest Event, Mrs. Antwi-Baadu highlighted the foundation’s pivotal role in fostering collaboration among key agricultural stakeholders, including farmers, agribusiness professionals, input suppliers, processors, and buyers.
“Agrihouse Foundation has created an invaluable space for knowledge exchange, partnerships, and innovation, all of which are essential to addressing the challenges facing our agricultural sector,” she remarked.
Agrihouse Foundation, through the Pre-Harvest Conference, continues to be an essential partner in driving these changes. The event has become a key platform for showcasing technological advancements, modern farming practices, and new business opportunities. By focusing on “Connecting the Unconnected,” Agrihouse ensures that even the smallest farmers in the most remote areas have access to resources and opportunities to be part of this agricultural transformation.
This year’s theme, “Connecting the Unconnected – Feeding the Future through Innovative and Technological Approaches,” encapsulates the transformative direction of the agricultural industry.
The future of agriculture depends on how effectively new technologies and innovations are integrated into traditional systems. From precision farming to digital platforms that directly connect farmers with markets, the sector is undergoing a significant transformation in how food is produced and distributed.
Agrihouse Foundation has been at the forefront of this movement, actively seeking ways to bridge the gap for smallholder farmers, rural agribusinesses, and underserved communities.
Through the Pre-Harvest platform, they have successfully connected these key players to vital information, tools, and resources that empower them to thrive.
Mrs. Antwi-Baadu also emphasized the Government of Ghana’s commitment to transforming the agricultural landscape through initiatives like the Phase Two of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program. This phase not only focuses on enhancing productivity but also on improving market access and adding value to agricultural produce, resonating strongly with the event’s focus on innovation and technology.
“Phase Two of PFJ embodies the innovative approaches we are celebrating today,” she said, noting how it connects smallholder farmers to value chains, expands access to technology, improves market infrastructure, and creates an enabling environment for agribusiness growth. With initiatives like these, Ghana is positioning itself not only to feed its own population but also to play a significant role in global food security.
by Linda Boateng | Oct 4, 2024 | Press Release
The European Union Ghana Agriculture Programme, through its GIZ-implemented initiatives, the Market Oriented Agriculture Programme in North-West (MOAP NW) and the Resilience Against Climate Change (REACH) Project, has partnered with Agrihouse Foundation for the fourth consecutive year to host the 14th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition.
Scheduled for October 29th and 30th, 2024, at the Alhaji Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale, under the theme “Connecting the Unconnected – Feeding the Future through Innovative and Technological Approaches.” This year’s focus will be on strengthening market linkages, promoting innovation, and enhancing productivity within Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Since 2019, GIZ – EUGAP has been a steadfast supporter of Agrihouse Foundation’s Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition by working to promote sustainable agricultural practices while building resilience, enhancing connectivity between farmers and markets, and contributing to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in Ghana.
This partnership has successfully established robust business linkages between farmers and agribusiness enterprises within the GIZ-EUGAP value chain, through this collaboration, GIZ-EUGAP has facilitated market linkages for over 50 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), allowing agro-processors to expand their markets and adopt climate-smart agricultural practices through practical field sessions hosted by Agrihouse.
Speaking at the conference launch of the 14 Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition, Sarah Rüffler, Commission Manager of the GIZ -EUGAP Programme ,Sustainable Employment through Agribusiness,” stated that the collaboration with Agrihouse Foundation goes beyond sponsorship. We share the core mission of enhancing market access, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring food security. This is particularly crucial today as the North of the country is facing a dry spell.
Through our partnership with Agrihouse, we have successfully facilitated market linkages for over 50 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These businesses, owned by agro-processors, have expanded their markets beyond their current locations due to the networks created during the exhibitions. They have also been exposed to climate-smart agricultural practices through Agrihouse’s practical field sessions with has help ccreate sustainable livelihoods and enhancing climate resilience despite unpredictable weather patterns.
This initiative according to her not only offers farmers an affordable pest management solution but also empowers women, contributing to gender inclusivity and higher incomes for farmers.
she called for more collaboration and innovation to help build a sustainable, efficient, and resilient agricultural sector. “Together, we can drive change, reduce post-harvest losses, and accelerate the growth of the agricultural sector, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey to a secure and prosperous Ghana,” she concluded.
In a statement, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, expressed her profound gratitude for the enduring partnership with GIZ EUGAP for the fourth consecutive time for the annual pre-harvest agribusiness conference and exhibitions.
“We truly appreciate their continued support. This partnership has been instrumental in driving positive change within our agricultural community. Over the years, we’ve witnessed the transformation it has brought to the lives of farmers, agribusinesses, and various stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.”
Emphasizing the vital role this collaboration plays in fostering growth, sustainability, and connectivity within the agricultural sector she stated “Our shared commitment to nurturing growth and promoting sustainable agricultural practices is evident in the impact we’ve achieved together. The Pre-Harvest event has become more than just a conference; it’s a platform for change and progress. It’s where deals are made, knowledge is shared, and connections are forged.”
Ms. Akosa highlighted the Pre-Harvest event’s crucial role in creating market linkages and building the capacity of over 150,000 value chain actors and stakeholders—ranging from farmer groups and buyers to development partners, policymakers, agribusinesses, ICT professionals, aggregators, and more. She underlined how the event has contributed to removing constraints on market access for farmers and agribusinesses, thereby enhancing economic opportunities and improving livelihoods.
This partnership exemplifies a commitment to strengthening the foundation for sustainable agriculture and highlights the importance of connectivity within the value chain. As the 14th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition approaches, all eyes are on the positive impact this collaboration will bring to Ghana’s thriving agricultural sector.The three-day event will feature conference sessions, presentations, exhibitions, and a marketplace for fostering business-to-business interactions. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in practical and immersive sessions aimed at providing deeper insights into best practices and capitalizing on the multitude of opportunities within the agricultural sector.
