by Linda Boateng | Nov 18, 2024 | Uncategorized
The 14th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition has once again proven its pivotal role in advancing Ghana’s agricultural sector, successfully connecting farmers to new markets and opportunities. Held in Tamale, the event brought together thousands of farmers, agribusiness stakeholders, and policymakers under the theme, “Connecting the Unconnected – Feeding the Future Through Innovative and Technological Approaches.”
In her address, Agrihouse Foundation’s Executive Director, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, celebrated the event’s significant contribution to agricultural transformation. She highlighted the critical role the conference has played in linking farmers to high-value markets and fostering collaborations that have expanded business opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
“This event has consistently served as a driving force for market expansion, the adoption of best practices, and the establishment of meaningful partnerships for farmers who were previously excluded from larger agricultural networks,” Ms. Akosa shared, reflecting on the conference’s impact over the past 14 years.
The Pre-Harvest Conference continues to empower thousands of smallholder farmers across Ghana by improving access to high-value markets, providing technical training, and promoting the adoption of innovative agricultural technologies. Farmers have reported increased yields, improved income levels, and enhanced food security within their communities. Agribusinesses, too, have found new supply chain partners, expanding their market reach and building lasting partnerships that contribute to the growth of the sector.
Looking Ahead: Agrihouse Foundation’s 2025 African Agenda
Building on the immense success of the Pre-Harvest Conference, Ms. Akosa outlined Agrihouse Foundation’s ambitious 2025 African Agenda. This agenda aims to extend the foundation’s reach and impact across the continent, driving agricultural transformation on a larger scale. The key pillars of the agenda include:
- Promoting Sustainable Farming Practices and Climate-Smart Technologies: Implementing environmentally-friendly practices to help farmers adapt to climate change and boost productivity.
- Strengthening Agribusiness Entrepreneurship: Providing targeted capacity-building programs, particularly for women and youth, to develop entrepreneurial skills and foster innovation.
- Expanding the Pre-Harvest Model Across Africa: Replicating the Pre-Harvest model in other African countries to continue connecting farmers to markets, and enhancing agricultural development across the continent.
“We envision a future where agriculture becomes a sustainable and profitable venture for millions across Africa,” Ms. Akosa said. “By working together, we can unlock the full potential of the agricultural sector and contribute significantly to food security and economic growth on the continent.”
Ms. Akosa expressed profound gratitude to the sponsors of the 14th Annual Pre-Harvest, including GIZ, EUGAP, Yara Ghana, and Kanu Equipment, for their unwavering commitment to advancing Ghana’s agricultural sector. Their support has been instrumental in the event’s success and in strengthening the agricultural community in Ghana.
She also emphasized the collective responsibility of stakeholders in the agricultural value chain, calling for continued support and collaboration. “Let us remain committed to fostering innovation, building partnerships, and empowering farmers so that we can create a future where no one goes hungry,” she urged.
As Agrihouse Foundation looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its mission to connect the unconnected, drive growth, and ensure that agriculture is a cornerstone of Africa’s economic and social development.
by Linda Boateng | Nov 18, 2024 | Uncategorized
Agrihouse Foundation’s Annual Pre-Harvest Conference and Exhibition has evolved into one of the most influential events in Ghana’s agricultural calendar. For over a decade, this platform has consistently provided a vital space for farmers, agribusinesses, policymakers, and stakeholders to come together, share knowledge, forge new partnerships, and explore innovative solutions to the challenges facing the sector.
Through its focus on connectivity, market access, and capacity-building, the Pre-Harvest Conference has successfully bridged gaps within the agricultural value chain, empowering smallholder farmers and fostering growth across the industry.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Yaw Frimpong Addo, at the 14t annual pre-harvest agribusiness conference and exhibition in tamale in the northern region ,Under the theme, “Connecting the Unconnected – Feeding the Future through Innovation and Technological Approaches,” the Sagnarigu Municipal Director of Agriculture, Mr. Shani Abubakari, emphasized the impressive progress Agrihouse Foundation has made over the past seven years in creating a platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and partnerships across the agricultural value chain.
“Over the last seven years, Agrihouse Foundation has grown this platform to become a vital hub for knowledge-sharing, networking, and partnerships, serving as a crucial meeting point for farmers, agribusinesses, and policymakers,” he stated.
“Through this event, Agrihouse Foundation has connected smallholder farmers to larger agribusinesses, financial institutions, and other stakeholders, creating opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach.”
The impact of the Pre-Harvest Conference has been profound, providing thousands of farmers with access to critical resources such as new technologies, markets, and financial services. These efforts have empowered farmers to increase their productivity, improve their livelihoods, and develop key aspects of the agricultural value chain, including post-harvest management and agribusiness entrepreneurship.
The Deputy Minister’s representative also addressed the increasing importance of digital tools in agriculture, noting that technology holds the key to unlocking the sector’s potential. “No farmer should be left behind , underscoring the need to integrate mobile platforms, digital marketplaces, and other technological tools to bridge gaps and connect farmers with buyers, suppliers, and financial services.
He also acknowledged Agrihouse Foundation’s ongoing efforts to empower youth and women in agriculture through initiatives such as the Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Bootcamp, the Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum, and the Agriwoman Marketplace. “We must continue to prioritize the inclusion of youth and women in agriculture,” the speech urged, stressing that targeted training and access to resources can help these groups take on leadership roles in shaping the future of agriculture.
As the theme of the conference suggests, the future of agriculture hinges on the adoption of innovation and technological approaches. In line with this, the speech drew attention to the government’s agricultural transformation agenda, highlighting initiatives like the Planting for Food and Jobs program, which promotes the use of modern technology and best farming practices to enhance productivity and build resilience in the sector.
“We recognize that rural farmers, especially women and youth, often face barriers to participating in modern agricultural systems,” the speech stated, calling for targeted interventions such as extension services, digital platforms for market access, and capacity-building programs that empower farmers to embrace new techniques and tools.
he expressed gratitude to Agrihouse Foundation for its vital role in transforming Ghana’s agricultural sector. “The future of agriculture in Ghana is bright,” he affirmed. “Through continued collaboration and partnerships, we will scale up the progress we’ve made and build an inclusive, resilient, and innovative agricultural sector that will ensure food security and improve the livelihoods of our farmers.”
