Agrihouse Foundation will on Tuesday 29th October 2024 to 30th October 2024, host the 14th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition.
The event Set to take place at the Alhaji Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale, under the theme “Connecting the Unconnected – Feeding the Future through Innovative and Technological Approaches,” will focus on strengthening market linkages, promoting technological innovations, and enhancing productivity in the agricultural sector.
Speaking at the launch, The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa reflected on the remarkable growth of the Annual event, which was initiated under the first phase of USAID’s ADVANCE project in 2011.
Over the past 13 years, the event has evolved into a major fixture on Ghana’s agricultural calendar, fostering networking and business relationships across the agribusiness value chain.
“Since Agrihouse Foundation took over the organization of the interventional initiative in 2018, we have seen incredible growth,” Ms. Akosa noted. “Today, the event brings together thousands of value chain actors, including farmers, buyers, equipment dealers, input suppliers, financial institutions, and policymakers, all working together to build a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.”
She further highlighted that over 100,000 value chain actors and stakeholders have participated in the Pre-Harvest event since its inception, representing various sectors such as agribusinesses, ICT, aggregators, transporters, and civil society organizations.
Theme for the 14th Edition: “Connecting the Unconnected – Feeding the Future through Innovative and Technological Approaches”
Ms. Akosa outlined the theme for this year’s event, which emphasizes the need for improved market linkages and the adoption of innovative technologies to increase productivity and ensure food security.
“Our focus this year is on bridging gaps in the agricultural value chain,” Ms. Akosa explained. “We aim to work with our partners to identify areas where connections are lacking and establish a path forward that strengthens business relationships between value chain actors.”
She stressed the importance of innovation in addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, particularly in the context of climate change, market volatility, and food insecurity. “Innovation is at the heart of agricultural growth,” she said. “By incorporating technological tools like precision farming, digital platforms, and modern mechanization, we can help farmers improve productivity and build resilience.”
The 14th Annual Pre-Harvest event will feature a wide range of activities, including the Farmer-to-Farmer Apprenticeship, Farmer-to-Buyer Matchmaking, Commodity Breakout Sessions, Exhibitions, and Field Demonstrations. The event will also provide a platform for value chain actors to engage in practical sessions and demonstrations, which will educate farmers on how to leverage innovative products and services to improve farm business speed and expansion.
“With over 100 exhibitors expected to participate, this year’s event will bring together the entire agribusiness ecosystem,” Ms. Akosa stated. “From farmers and farmer groups to input dealers, financial institutions, tractor and machinery companies, government agencies, and processors – we will have a full representation of the agricultural value chain.”
She added that the field demonstrations, which will take place at Agrihouse Foundation’s Demonstration Center in Kudula, will offer participants hands-on exposure to new farming technologies and practices.
Ms. Akosa expressed optimism about the outcomes of this year’s 14th annual Pre-Harvest event, emphasizing its potential to strengthen agricultural networks, foster new business relationships, and increase the adoption of technological innovations across the sector.
“Throughout the two days event, we will facilitate important discussions between farmers and commodity buyers, allowing them to establish indicative purchase and supply terms for the upcoming harvest season,” she said. “We also aim to create opportunities for smallholder farmers to connect with larger market players, enabling them to sell their produce at competitive prices.”
Moreover, the event will place a strong emphasis on capacity building, equipping farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in modern agriculture. “Participants will benefit from training in financial literacy, agribusiness management, and value chain development, which are critical to their success,” Ms. Akosa added.
In concluding she, reiterated Agrihouse Foundation’s commitment to advancing the agricultural sector through collaboration and innovation. “We believe that by connecting the unconnected and harnessing the power of technology, we can feed the future and create a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem for Ghana and beyond,” she said.
The 14th annual pre-harvest agribusiness conference and exhibitions is supported Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC), GIZ EUGAP, Yara Ghana, Kanu Equipment, Horticulture Business Platform, ADB, GML Green Energy, and Farm Radio.
For more information, please contact Blessed: 0551623862 or Alberta: 0244623012, click on the link below to sign up as an Exhibitor https://forms.gle/yRdaqDgE7VNRG3VX8 .
With a mission to empower local farmers and improve rural livelihoods, Italy’s Rural Hack is addressing the unique challenges of rural areas by integrating digital tools with modern farming methods.
Rural Hack, an innovative Italian organization founded as part of the SocietingLAB program, is at the forefront of transforming rural communities and innovative technology solutions that prioritize sustainability and adaptability in agriculture.
By fostering collaboration between farmers, researchers and agribusinesses, Rural Hack is creating a vibrant ecosystem where technology and tradition exist. Its work is redefining the future of agriculture, making it more sustainable, efficient and connected.
Driving Innovation in Agriculture
At the core of Rural Hack’s strategy is the integration of technology into traditional agricultural practices, with modern tools such as mobile farm management applications, data analytics for crop monitoring and precision farming technologies.
These innovations help farmers enhance productivity whilst sustaining vital resources such as water and energy.
The innovative organization’s mission swings between promoting agritech solutions that drive both environmental sustainability and social development.They achieve this by ensuring that smallholder farmers benefit from the latest technological advancements.Education and training are central to Rural Hack’s approach through the medium of hosting workshops, events and digital programs that engage entrepreneurs, students and technology enthusiasts.These programs demonstrate how the right mix of innovation and tradition can transform agriculture, making it more resilient and adaptable to future challenges.
Alex Giordano, the chief scientist of Rural Hack has been a pivotal figure in driving the organization’s vision for transforming agricultural systems through digital innovation and sustainable practices.
With a background in social innovation and digital transformation, Giordano has consistently championed the integration of cutting-edge technology into rural farming practices.
Giordano’s approach emphasizes the importance of blending tradition with innovation. “We are not trying to replace the wisdom of the land but to enhance it with the tools of the future,” he explains.
Prof Alex Giordano is currently considered as one of the leading Italian experts in Social Innovation and Digital Transformation.
Under his leadership, Rural Hack has become a leading force in advancing agritech solutions that benefit smallholder farmers and improve global food security.
Building Global Connections through AgriFood Future
Rural Hack plays a crucial role in creating platforms for global collaboration.
One of its flagship initiatives is the AgriFood Future and the Summer School, an international event that brings together thought leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across the agri-food sector.
Participants engage in discussions and explore the latest innovations in agricultural technology, sustainability and food systems.
At a recent edition of AgriFood Future in Salerno, Italy, Rural Hack was instrumental in facilitating high-level discussions on the future of global food systems. The event brought together farmers, policymakers, and agritech entrepreneurs.The Summer School session at AgriFood Future 2024 by Rural Hack also offered participants and beginners, a valuable opportunity to engage with global experts and explore modern innovations in agritech.Designed to equip the next generation of innovators, the program focused on imparting the knowledge and skills necessary to drive the digital and ecological transformation of agriculture.Over 100 attendees from across Italy gained practical insights into technologies like precision farming, fostering connections within the agrifood sector and addressing its immediate challenges.
Connecting Agri-Food Systems through Technology
Beyond Italy, Rural Hack is poised to make significant impact on agriculture across Africa, with Ghana being a first step into West Africa where such innovative and modern approach to farming is direly needed.
Currently, Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana lead the Agritech market. Consequently, the three countries account for more than half of Africa’s Agritech startups.
Agriculture, in general, is one of Africa’s largest and most vital sector, providing food for its large and growing population, as well as serving as the economic lifeline for many its countries. Yet, Africa still struggles to address the host of challenges confronting the industry.
Therefore, the entrance of a leading agritech giant like Rural Hack into Africa at this period of heightened challenges, aggravated by the lack of the necessary expertise, would significantly help in ramping up the most needed food production in Africa.
Incidentally, by fostering dialogue and collaboration, the organization aims to promote the adoption of sustainable practices and technologies that address Africa’s unique agricultural challenges.
It comes as a positive development, therefore, that the organization is focused on establishing agritech platforms in Africa, with such platforms having direct connection to farmers, whereby post-harvest losses are reduced and the goal of achieving food security is further enhanced.
Success Stories
In Italy, Rural Hack’s precision farming solutions have helped smallholder farmers increase crop yields by 30% whilst reducing water usage by 20%. By employing remote sensors and drones to monitor soil conditions and weather patterns in real-time, farmers can make well-informed decisions on irrigation.
Another notable success of this pace setting agritech organization is the mobile platform that connects farmers directly with local markets, bypassing intermediaries and increasing profits by up to 15%.
This innovation has boosted farmers’ incomes, as well as strengthened local food systems, making them more resilient and efficient.
As reflected by a participant at the recent AgriFood Future event, the mission of this leading global agritech organization is to break down technological barriers and integrate innovation into food systems.
Clearly, it is already helping agriculture to become more resilient, efficient, whilst effectively addressing the needs of a growing global population.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation has been honored with the 2024 Agrifood Future Prize Award at the Agrifood Future event in Salerno, Italy.
Agrifood Future Prize recipient, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa was recognized for her exceptional contributions to strengthening Agri-food systems across Africa, particularly in Ghana.
This premier event, organized by Unioncamere and the Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, with the patronage of European parliament, Italian ministries of Agriculture Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Environment and Energy Security, Google and Made in Italy, redefines Italy’s AgriFood sector with practical, reform-oriented discussions, expanding the global conversation on Agri-food systems.
In presenting this prestigious award, Directed by Professor Alex Giordano, President Andrea Prete praised Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa for her passion and determination.
President Andrea Prete said, “Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa has a clear vision for the future of food. We appreciate her attention to young people and women. For this reason, we can imagine a collaboration also in Africa, with Agrifood Future and between the Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, European Parliament, Italian Ministries and Agrihouse Foundation.”
President Andrea Prete and Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa
Upon receiving the Agrifood Future Prize, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa emphasized, “Food unites the world! Where there is food, there is peace; where there is peace, there is development; and where there is development, there is sustainability.”
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa continued, “I am deeply encouraged by all the wonderful people here. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly and making me feel at home. I am incredibly grateful.
I also want to extend my deepest appreciation to my entire Agrihouse Foundation team for their outstanding contributions and support.
This recognition is also dedicated every woman committed to the act of service to humanity, through Agriculture.
It is also to all women who are continuously demonstrating the acts of courage, passion, compassion, determination, boldness and consistency to advancing the AgriFood systems. I believe we share a common bond with this Prize, Alberta added.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa further reflected, “The subject of food is extremely important, considering that it is the first work God gave to man, to work in the Garden of Eden.
Now, you and I have one major assignment to protect the future of food. “But the future is already here, the future is now, the future is me and the future is you. “1.2 billion of the world’s present population are between the ages of 15-24 years; of these, 600 million are rural youth, whose main challenge is unemployment.
Additionally, one in five people globally depends on animal agriculture for their livelihoods. Therefore, our actions and inactions will highly influence our present food systems and generations ahead.
“In my country Ghana alone, agriculture employs 39.49% of our population, with 70% being smallholder farmers living in rural communities.
This is why I want us all to take key innovative and sustainable actions to secure and lay the needed foundations for the Food and Agricultural bodies as a whole.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa expressed her confidence that in 2025, Agrihouse Foundation would strengthen its working relationship with, President Andrea Prete, Professor Alex, Unioncamere and the Rural Hack Team to ensure a global community is created by having a greater representation of Ghanaians, Africans and the Caribbean to join the conversations in advancing innovative Agri-food practices.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa also applauded the high youth representation at the event, stating, “It brings my spirit alive and gives me so much hope for the future of our food systems.” The youth in my country also keep demonstrating through their brilliant innovations and approaches in technology, value addition, farming techniques and sustainable solutions they keep developing within the sector, that they can conquer the world and stand alongside their peers globally, to find common solutions to secure our future food.
She noted, “The youth and women possess great ideas and dreams, but unfortunately, many of us lack opportunities. This Prize, I know, will inspire many of our youth to stay focused and keep pushing forward. I am hoping some of them would be able to join us here in 2025 and be part of the Agrifood Future Youth Summer and some of the other sessions.
In conclusion, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa proposed the establishment of an Academy to train sustainable farmers and leaders, stating, “Let us adopt a resolution to create an Academy to train and develop a youth movement of sustainable farmers. Let us work together to connect the unconnected.
