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.”
by Linda Boateng | Nov 12, 2024 | Uncategorized
The Country Manager for Yara Ghana Limited, Madam Theresa Randolph, has reaffirmed Yara’s unwavering commitment to bolstering food security and advancing the livelihoods of Ghanaian farmers.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the 14th Annual Pre-Harvest Exhibition and Conference organized by Agrihouse foundation, on the theme, “Connecting the Unconnected – Feeding the Future Through Innovative and Technological Approaches,” Madam Randolph outlined Yara’s strategic approach to sustainable agriculture.
She emphasized the company’s dedication to empowering farmers through innovative crop nutrition solutions, climate-smart practices, and digital tools that enhance productivity while safeguarding the environment.
Reflecting on Yara’s focus on “increasing food security and enhancing farmer livelihoods,” she noted the significant strides Yara has made in empowering farmers through comprehensive crop nutrition solutions, which have directly impacted productivity and profitability for those who adopt Yara’s methods.
“Yara continues to drive and support food production and farmer profitability, and the results are clear among those adopting our crop nutrition solutions,” she remarked, highlighting Yara’s influence in elevating agricultural standards and securing food supplies across the country.
Empowering Farmers Through Technology and Training
In line with Yara’s mission to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet, Madam Randolph outlined Yara’s substantial investment in technology and sustainable farming practices.
“Through our mission to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet, and our ambition to grow a nature-positive food future, we are heavily invested in applying technology through climate neutrality and regenerative farming practices. These efforts are complemented by prosperity measures designed to improve farmer income and promote sustainable agronomic practices,” she added, emphasizing Yara’s holistic vision for agriculture that incorporates both environmental and economic goals.
Beyond providing quality, crop-targeted fertilizer solutions, Yara leads the way with comprehensive farmer training and demonstration programs to ensure the effective and efficient use of fertilizers. This not only delivers quality food production but also protects the planet, strengthening food systems resilience and sustainability for all.” Madam Randolph emphasized.
According to her, Yara Ghana invests significantly in innovations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in its premium fertilizers, a critical component of its broader effort to decarbonize agriculture and minimize carbon footprints. “Our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions is evident in our continuous efforts to achieve global standards on decarbonization and the SDG Goal 13 to limit & adapt to climate change,” she shared. By investing in fertilizers that lower greenhouse gas emissions, Yara is setting a precedent for sustainable practices in the agricultural sector and contributing to global climate goals.
Yara’s Role in Farmer Education and Training
In addition to supplying crop-specific fertilizer solutions, Yara Ghana has taken a proactive role in farmer education and training. These initiatives equip farmers with essential skills to maximize the effectiveness of fertilizers, yielding higher quality production while promoting environmental stewardship.
In these training programs, farmers learn best practices for fertilizer application, crop rotation, and efficient land use, enhancing their ability to increase yields sustainably. By fostering a deeper understanding of soil health, crop nutrition, and resource management, Yara’s training initiatives are setting the stage for long-term growth and resilience in Ghana’s agricultural sector. These educational efforts are particularly impactful for smallholder farmers who often face barriers to accessing up-to-date information on sustainable agriculture.
Moreover, Yara Ghana actively collaborates with local agricultural organizations and extension services to expand the reach of its training programs. These partnerships enable Yara to disseminate information more effectively and reach remote farming communities that might otherwise lack access to essential agricultural knowledge. By investing in community-based education, Yara is fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability among Ghanaian farmers.
Innovation in Digital Connectivity with YaraConnect
Recognizing the value of connectivity in transforming agriculture, Yara Ghana launched the YaraConnect app at the end of 2022. Designed as a retailer-facing platform, YaraConnect strengthens loyalty within the smallholder farmer ecosystem and streamlines access to Yara’s resources. This mobile application offers valuable farming advice, enabling retailers to guide farmers on informed input purchase decisions for optimal crop yields.
“The YaraConnect app is not just a loyalty program; it’s a vital knowledge-sharing tool. Retailers can provide farmers with sound advice based on comprehensive insights, driving more effective and tailored crop nutrition solutions,” explained Madam Randolph. By equipping retailers with reliable information, YaraConnect ensures that farmers receive accurate guidance, which, in turn, leads to better crop quality and productivity.
The app also supports smallholder farmers by providing insights on market trends, enabling them to make informed decisions that can lead to higher profitability. Through features that include crop advisory, input tracking, and tailored recommendations, YaraConnect empowers farmers with the knowledge they need to adapt to changing market demands and environmental conditions. Yara’s investment in digital tools underscores its commitment to last-mile delivery of agricultural solutions, ensuring that even farmers in remote areas have access to essential support for their agricultural needs.
Building a Sustainable Future Through Public-Private Partnerships
Madam Randolph stated that the journey to transform agriculture is one that requires the collaborative efforts of both public and private sectors. By leveraging the strengths and resources of both sides, Yara is working to ensure that Ghana’s agricultural sector remains resilient and capable of meeting the food demands of a growing population.
“This event, with the theme of connecting the unconnected, demonstrates the critical role of innovation and technology in driving agricultural growth. When the agriculture sector is transformed through innovation and technology, it can accelerate economic development and prosperity of citizens,” she remarked. Randolph stressed that public-private partnerships are essential in enabling Ghana to overcome agricultural challenges and reach new milestones in food security.
Yara’s Vision for Ghana’s Agricultural Sector
She added that, Yara Ghana is dedicated to building a future where Ghanaian farmers are prosperous, food security is assured, and agriculture is both sustainable and climate resilient. “Yara’s commitment to an inclusive, technologically advanced agricultural future stands as a pillar of support for Ghanaian farmers, driving sustainability, profitability, and a more resilient food system,” she noted.
Through its innovative solutions, digital outreach, and comprehensive training programs, Yara Ghana remains at the forefront of agricultural transformation in Ghana. Its efforts in promoting sustainable practices, reducing environmental impact, and fostering economic resilience underscore a powerful vision for the future of agriculture—a vision where Ghanaian farmers not only survive but thrive in a rapidly changing world. Yara’s initiatives reflect a profound understanding of the challenges facing modern agriculture and a steadfast resolve to create lasting, positive change for farmers, communities, and the planet.
by Linda Boateng | Nov 8, 2024 | News
The Vice President of the Ghana–Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham), Mr. Cecil Sunkwa-Mills, has highlighted an ambitious long term vision of GNEBCHAM, to ensure they are able to positively make impact in expanding trade opportunities, educational exchanges, imports, exports and expand markets and Agribusiness opportunities for both Nebraskan and Ghanaian businesses.
Mr. Sunkwa-Mills made these remarks at a gathering of Nebraska businesses and Government officials in Nebraska, during the Husker Harvest Days.
He said, CNEBCHAM, is putting in all efforts to strengthen and create the needed bridge to promote agribusiness and trade in both regions.
He emphasized GNEBCHAM’s desire to continue to leverage on the strength of strategic collaborations locally and internationally to drive new projects and enhance existing initiatives well into the future.
‘’A major component of our plan as a chamber was our agenda to establish a well-organized operational secretariat to manage and coordinate the Chamber’s activities efficiently, this we have successfully achieved’’.
Additionally, GNEBCham seeks to grow its membership to approximately 500 agribusinesses. By expanding our member base, we hope to build a stronger and more connected network, to enhance our influence and provide more resources and opportunities As we approach 2025, plans are equally underway, to drive significant business-to-business (B2B) transactions, targeting deals valued at approximately 200 million U.S. dollars.
These transactions will enable Ghanaian agribusinesses to expand their reach and establish valuable partnerships with U.S.-based companies.
Another critical objective is to increase exports of Ghanaian non-traditional processed agricultural products, with a target of achieving export values between 40-50 million U.S. dollars. This effort will create more demand for Ghanaian products abroad and strengthen trade relations between Ghana and Nebraska.
Currently, the Ghana–Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) is working towards closing educational programs and partnerships with higher education institutions and colleges to support professional exchanges involving professors, students and work programs.
Mr. Sunkwa-Mills also informed the business gathering that, the Chamber together with other private businesses, intend to develop demonstration farms across Ghana’s southern, mid-belt, and northern regions to showcase partnerships and host annual agribusiness expos in both Nebraska and Ghana.
This he stated, will enable Ghana and Nebraska to leverage on their strengths, expand market opportunities, and support the livelihoods of families dependent on agriculture by promoting shared goals.
Through this partnership, Ghana and Nebraska can build on their unique strengths to open up new market opportunities and support agricultural livelihoods in both regions.
The Ghana–Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) recently organized a successful 30-member business delegation to participate in the Husker Harvest Days experience and other trade and investment activities in Nebraska, USA.
The delegation engaged with the U.S. agribusiness market, exploring opportunities for long-term collaboration in agribusiness, export and import, farming, educational exchanges, and sharing best practices for doing business with Nebraska and Ghana.
The goal of this business trip was to strengthen existing relationships, establish new business deals and foster strong, sustainable partnerships.
The Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) is dedicated to being a catalyst or hub, working to connect businesses, facilitate trade, and drive innovation in agribusiness between Ghana and Nebraska.
by Linda Boateng | Nov 8, 2024 | News
On this great occasion of the 40th National Farmers Day Celebrations, Grand durbar, Awards and Exhibitions, we at the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) extend our warmest congratulations and heartfelt appreciation to Ghana’s farmers, fishers, vale chain actors and agribusiness professionals.
Your tireless dedication and resilience are the backbone of Ghana’s agriculture, playing a pivotal role in ensuring food security, economic growth and sustainable livelihoods.
GNEBCham have, within the past three years, put into action, a collective mission, to create opportunities that strengthens the agricultural sectors of both Ghana and Nebraska respectively.
FORMER NEBRASKA STATE SENATOR KEN SCHILZ /CO- FOUNDER, GHANA-NEBRASKA AGRIBUSINESS GROWTH AND TRADE RELATIONS CHAMBER (GNEBCHAM)
We have been committed to facilitating agribusiness trade activities, supporting knowledge sharing, educational exchanges, capacity building and business expansion between our two Regions.
With the support of valued stakeholders and partners, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Embassy, Nebraska Strategies, Agrihouse Foundation, Nebraska Department of Economic Development , among others, we have been able to facilitate and advance business opportunities, with some at the early stages and others already flourishing.
The Chamber has by far, experienced an agribusiness sector that has a key potential to thrive further, given the favorable economic conditions, transparent regulations and active government-private sector collaborations.
As a farmer myself, this Farmers’ Day celebrations means so much and reminds me, that together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive agrifood system.
After earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, I returned to our family farm in western Nebraska, where my father, brother and I worked together to farm and raise cattle.
For about 15 years, I had the privilege of managing our family’s 20,000-head feed yard, and in 2006, I received the Progressive Partner Award from Certified Angus Beef.
I am indeed excited that, now more than ever, Farmers’ efforts and progress are been tracked, recognized and celebrated all over the world.
This special day not only celebrates the achievements of Ghana’s agricultural community but also reminds us that, further, leveraging on the power of innovation and collaboration with organizations such as GNEBCHAM, would contribute immensely in achieving food sustainability and economic prosperity.
GNEBCHAM pledges our continued support to grow sustainable farmers, advance our agribusiness infrastructure and embark on Agri-trade activities that drive success in both Ghana and Nebraska.
Together, we look forward to a prosperous future where Ghanaian and Nebraskan farmers and agribusinesses thrive locally and globally.
Congratulations to you all and we welcome you to join the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber
Happy Farmers Day to all!
The Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber was co-founded by Former Nebraska Senator, Ken Schilz and Ghana’s Agribusiness advocate, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, when both realized their common dedication to their respective country’s agriculture, and their genuine passion to ensure growth and partnerships thrives between their two Regions.
SOCIAL MEDIA DETAILS
Facebook: GNEBCham
Twitter: GNEBCham
Instagram: @GNEBCham
YouTube: GNEBCham
Website: https://gnebcham.com/
LinkedIn: GNEBCham
Contact: +233244623012
