I had the opportunity to participate in the second edition of the AgriFood Future in Selormo, Italy at the invitation of President Andrea Prete of Unioncamere and Professor Alexander Giordano, founder of Rural Hack few weeks ago.
My presence and observations has marked and sparked a mind transformative perspective, of our collective ambition for the future of food and the positioning of Ghana and Africa as a whole, in the overall agrifood future agenda.
What is AgriFood future?
The Agrifood Future is a national event that aims to offer a moment of discussion on food innovations, ecological transition, digital transition and sustainability.
As we may all be aware, the food system is one of the main drivers of change in the world’s ecosystem and is, at the same time, deeply affected by major climate and geopolitical changes.
On the horizon looms the need to feed the 10 billion people who are expected to live on the planet Earth in 2050 and it is, therefore, necessary to rethink the methods of production, processing, transport, packaging and consumption of food to reduce the footprint of these activities on the environment and ecosystems.
Agrifood Future is one of the first events in southern Italy that focuses on 8 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that constitute the vital core of the 2030 Agenda.
The AgriFood Future is dedicated to the future of the agri-food sector. A future that is not only exclusively Italian but global.
It was held in the province of Salerno, which has a high level of economic value in the agri-food sector.
The five(5) day AgriFood future event, was successfully delivered under the theme, Building a Sustainable Business In the Food Systems with AI,
It was a gathering of Agricultural change makers and think tanks in Technology and innovation, passionate young people across Italy who demonstrated through the Summer School, their strategic approaches and power to drive change, actors within the value chain and public and private sector leaders.
For President Prete, Prof Alex and myself, my participation was a commitment to highlight the critical role of cross-continental collaboration in addressing pressing agricultural challenges and capitalizing on opportunities within agritech and food systems. This we all agree is in the right direction.
The Agrifood Future event had two strategic approaches; one key part was leveraging the enthusiasm and innovative capacities of youth to enhance food security, promote sustainable practices, and influence agricultural policies, by connecting young minds.
This was successfully executed through the Summer School.
The other strategic sessions, leveraged on the strengths of experts within the industry to discuss diverse topics in innovation and digital approach which can aid to advance and sustain the future of food.
I could see the program’s immense significance in offering huge benefits to Ghana, Africa and the Caribbean regions through its platform for the exchange of knowledge, technology, and expertise.
The AgriFood Future program for me, represents a much more advanced and crucial mechanism for supporting Africa’s agribusinesses and the broader agricultural ecosystem.
As climate change, shifting consumer demands, and global trade policies reshape the agrifood landscape, the knowledge and technology shared at this event will be instrumental in equipping African countries with the tools needed to thrive.
The event adequately served as an effective facilitator of meaningful collaborations.
As I interacted with fellow participants, it became evident that there is a growing interest in fostering partnerships between African and European institutions.
This was evident also in my forty-five minutes interactive session with President Prete.
Italian stakeholders, like President Prete believes so much in the energies of Africa to solving the global food crisis and the desire for Africans at a large, to be part of further strengthening and developing the AgriFood Future event is a stronger agenda and commitment to the entire organization.
The AgriFood Future participants were particularly impressed with Agrihouse Foundation’s successful advocacy and interventional modules in contributing to the Food security agenda.
The most important part for us all, is our commitment to work together to further expand the AgriFood future event, so more actors across Africa, the Carribean and Meditterean to be a part of this movement of change and to contribute meaningful in all dialogues, that will positively influence our food systems.
As changemakers and influecers in our respective fields, we remain the frontline in the movement to change the food security equation across the globe today.
AgriFood Future believes that the influence from both Africa and the European community can be transformative and thus, the need for a stronger presence in future events and related activities.
I stand with AgriFood Future also, in their submission on Food and its linkage to sustainability.
The future of food and the food chain as a whole is linked to sustainability.We must thus all unite with one call and commitment to promote sustainability, through innovative approaches and technology. This is one major take home, also from the AgriFood future event.
I would also like to place a spotlight on the AgriFood Future’s program flow, set-up and format, which sufficiently allows room for networking and the exchange of ideas, and I found that very invaluable.
The rich tapestry of experiences shared by participants not only inspired dialogue but also paved the way for future projects that can address pressing agricultural issues both locally and globally.
I am optimistic about the future of the agri-food sector.
The collective expertise and innovative ideas presented during AgriFood Future 2024 have the potential to drive significant change in the future of agri-food.An integral demonstration of praiseworthy partnerships that work is what I foresee and anticipate that AgriFood Future platform to be in the next one to three years.
Agrifood Future is a moment of reflection to try to understand the developments in the sector.
With Agrifood, the opportunity is given to delve deeper and discuss everything because food is not just agriculture.
There is a whole supply chain that goes from production to transformation, to logistics, to marketing. Without forgetting tourism which, especially in Italy, is linked to food and wine.
All themes to be developed. There is a much bigger world around the food sector.
I think that, as we move forward, it is crucial to continue expanding the scope of participation from African stakeholders. This inclusivity will ensure that we can tackle challenges such as climate adaptation, financing for smallholder farmers, and sustainable food production more effectively.
With countries like Ghana at the forefront, Africa will be positioned to adopt sustainable farming practices and innovative solutions that cater to its diverse agricultural environments, creating a platform to share rich resources, experiences, and perspectives on food security and sustainability with the global community.
Frankly, I must confess that I am truly humbled by the organizers’ kind decision to honour me with the AgriFood Future Prize award for my contributions to strengthening agri-food systems across Africa, particularly in Ghana. Truly, this recognition assures me that no effort made for good, especially for the good of a society, is ever wasted or unappreciated. This can only encourage people like me, and others who have been so recognized, to do more because, there is so much work to be done out there.
Mr. Andrea Prete’s recognition and commendation of our initiatives in Ghana is particularly appreciated.
The future of Food and particularly, the AgriFood Future is promising and powerful, with its positioning to have an inclusive representation and participation and increasing African voices on the dialogues is essential.
This I believe, would allow for a more comprehensive approach to solving the challenges specific to the continent, such as climate change adaptation, modern agritech adoption, value chain development, and financing for smallholder farmers.
By broadening the scope and discussions and increasing opportunities for African stakeholders to contribute, the program would surely become a vital platform for solving other critical issues like food security, as well as fostering stronger partnerships, thus creating a more interconnected and mutually beneficial global agricultural community.
On the summer school session for students, I think that the event could make room for educational exchanges for students.
This initiative will certainly provide start-ups, students and beginners across the globe, the unique opportunity to learn from leading experts and My experience with the beginners is a true reflection of beginners I work with and those who annually participate in our Agrihouse Foundation’s Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Bootcamp.
Youth who keep pushing the boundaries and demonstrating beyond reasonable doubts, that when given the platform or provided the needed resources, they would be able to contribute innovatively to the advancement of our food systems.
Mr. Andrea Prete, the President of Unioncamere, again and appropriately underscored the importance of sustainability and technological innovation in shaping the future of the agri-food sector; with a good stress on the vital place of technological innovation in addressing attendant challenges. Coming from the continent where I come from, I consider all of that a rich takeaway from this forum; and I seriously look forward to the future where Agrihouse Foundation and Unioncamere would be on the field in Africa executing the application of their technological innovation to address our challenges.
The whole conversation on Agriculture and AI was very strong for me, and I believe in the crucial role it can play in helping countries around the world develop cutting-edge agriculture.
I consider it imperative that accessibility to AI should not be the preserve of any particular region of the world but “to everyone…for future growth” as he rightly said.
Africa is a key player in the future of global agriculture and with this understanding, my optimism in strengthening our collaborations with Agrifood Future becomes stronger.
In conclusion, I believe that my participation in the second AgriFood Future in Selormo, Italy, marks a significant step forward for Africa’s agrifood systems.
Surely, this global platform offers Africa a better forum to address its agricultural challenges whilst contributing to the broader conversation on the future of food systems. The program offers not only immediate benefits but also long-term opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and sustainable development that will shape the future of agriculture for generations to come.
Indeed, the Future of Food collaborations to strengthen our Food systems have arrive and I am eager to be part of the 2025 AgriFood Future event and of course, with strong African, Caribbean and a mediterean representation.
Rome is all set to host and witness once again, a gathering of over seven thousand (7000) world experts, impassioned changemakers and visionary leaders of all ages including youth, for the 2024 World food Forum Flagship event.
Mr Victor Muiru, Head of Local Youth Action,World Food Forum -FAO
Slated to be held from October 14 to 18, 2024, the World food Forum flagship event has over the years, remained as a premier global agrifood platform to leverage the power of intergenerational collaboration, on the power of intergenerational collaboration, as well as partnerships and action across policy, science, innovation, education, culture and investment.
Moreover, it is also committed to supporting and growing youth initiatives in the agrifood sector, with a collective mission to co-create actionable solutions to advance agrifood systems transformation, across the globe.
This light but deep-rooted theme put us all on the spotlight to further assess, how our actions are contributing to the future of food and the vision we have for the sustenance of the agrifood sector.
Throughout the week, attendees will participate in a Youth Forum where a Youth Assembly involving young people discussing specific policy topics and issues within agrifood systems will take center stage. The Youth Forum will also feature live pitching sessions, workshops and exhibitions that will highlight groundbreaking agricultural startups and youth-led initiatives, all aimed at driving innovation in the sector. It will also include a Global School Assembly inspiring the next generation of agrifood enthusiasts, advocates and practitioners.
Over fifty(50) WFF National Youth Chapter leaders will also be present best practices in building all-inclusive national youth-led agrifood platforms that would be able to address localized challenges, within the agrifood systems.
Some other key events in the Forum include the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum, a platform for national authorities to present investment opportunities to investors, development banks, the private sector and donors. The Forum will also involve the Rome Water Dialogue, where experts will address the pressing issue of water scarcity in agriculture and feature a dedicated session on Family Farming.
Within the week is also the slated celebrations of World Food Day. This global event will underscore the commitment to ending hunger and building resilient food systems that can withstand the challenges of tomorrow.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa National Lead, World Food Forum Ghana Chapter
From Ghana, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, World Food Forum Ghana Chapter Lead and Agrihouse Foundation’s Founder, will mount the stage, together with other National Youth Chapter leads from Indonesia, Brazil, Egypt and Ireland to share an African regional perspective and highlight best practices in mobilizing youth-led action at the local level to achieve more sustainable agrifood systems
“I am excited about this impactful opportunity to join, share and engage extraordinary global leaders and youth at the WFF flagship event. It presents an opportunity to further highlight our works as the Ghana Chapter and our interventional modules at Agrihouse Foundation”.
I am equally excited about the learnings from this event and remain committed to leveraging the knowledge and networks acquired to implement local solutions that address the unique challenges our agricultural sector faces. By investing in youth-led initiatives, we can create a more resilient and sustainable future for food systems in our communities.” We are eager to build on these learnings to strengthen the World Food Forum Ghana Chapter – Alberta emphasized.
Anthony Aidoo Steering Committee Chair , World Food Forum Ghana Chapter
Adding his voice, the Steering Committee Chair for the world food forum Ghana Chapter, Anthony Aidoo said, “This event will provide us the unique opportunity to learn and grow the World Food Forum Ghana Chapter.Our International Youth Day activity made significant impact, with intensive media waves and we have a mandate to sustain the gains and impact.The WFF Ghana Chapter is committed to inspiring the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation and sustainability in agriculture.We believe that by involving young people in decision-making processes, we can ensure that their perspectives and innovations are reflected in the agrifood system that we develop.
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.
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.
Nebraska State Governor, Jim Pillen has praised the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) as a pacesetter in strengthening agricultural infrastructure, facilitating agribusiness trade, knowledge sharing, capacity building and development of activities, aimed at unlocking new opportunities and push the agribusiness sectors in both Ghana and Nebraska towards a flourishing agricultural future.
Speaking at a Meet-and-Greet session with the 30-member Ghanaian delegation that recently participated in the just-ended Husker Harvest Days experience and trade and investment event, Governor Pillen placed high importance on Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) success in facilitating trade opportunities and fostering collaboration that greatly place value between the two regions.
Governor Jim Pillen equally applauded the chamber for acting as a key platform for American businesses seeking to engage with Africa, especially Ghana and for helping Ghanaian companies navigate the Nebraska agricultural market.
“I am impressed about this growing trade and business linkages between our two regions and we are opened to work with you to identify business gaps and what we can collectively do for our mutual business growth”.
In his key remarks, Governor Jim Pillen also highlighted some major areas, he expect collaboration between Ghana and Nebraska.
He spoke on how Nebraska’s bio economy and sustainable practices could greatly benefit Ghana’s agriculture, stating that, “what we do here in Nebraska can be a game-changer for Ghana’s agriculture.”
The Governor also emphasized on how Ghana can tap in into the seven generations of innovation that have shaped the state of Nebraska agricultural landscape, exemplified by Husker Harvest Days and other agricultural programs as a key to achieving long-term success.
The major highlight of the Meet-and-Greet event was the symbolic presentation of a Governor’s Coin to the Ghanaian delegation led by Hon Deputy Minister, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, signifying the growing bond between Ghana and Nebraska.
“I see the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) as a valuable gate path for companies looking to enter the U.S. agricultural market” and called for attention to Nebraska’s vast agricultural potential, the richness of opportunities and readiness to deepen its partnerships with Ghana.
Honorable Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, also extended his gratitude to Governor Jim Pillen for his support of the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) and commended him for his dedication to strengthening the chamber’s vision.
The Honorable Deputy Minister also commended Nebraska’s openness for collaboration, which he said is a major factor in advancing trade relations and unlocking mutual opportunities for agribusiness growth between the two regions.
The 30-member Ghanaian business delegation, who are all members of the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber, were in Nebraska to participate in the Husker Harvest Days and a Trade and Investment Activity.
As part of their 5-days business trip, the delegation were matched with key Nebraskan agricultural companies, including Bayer, Nebraska Star Beef, chief Industries, and Nebraska state universities, championing agriculture.
Some other delegates also were matched with Beef and Poultry producing companies, Grain producers, irrigation, commercial farm experts, machinery and equipment, financial institutions and business consultants, among others.
The overall goal is to ensure the delegation, are strategically linked to ensure measurable business outcomes, by leveraging on Nebraska’s agricultural strengths and its advanced practices in bio-economy, innovative and technological approaches.
The Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations (GNEBCham) is an International representative arm of selected Nebraska Senators, Farmers, Agribusinesses and subsidiaries voluntarily working together with their Ghanaian partners to create an environment where Agribusiness and Trade can thrive between Ghanaians and Nebraskans and beyond.
The Chamber is a non-for-profit organization, established in 2023, as a joint venture between Ghana and Nebraska public and private sector officials to strengthen, encourage, promote, foster and facilitate agribusiness trade relations between Ghana and Nebraska.
The Chamber aims to create strong linkages, foster trade relations and promote sustainable growth by connecting businesses in Ghana and Nebraska, serving as a dynamic hub for trade exchange and development opportunities.The chamber is committed to creating relationships that strengthen the Agricultural sector and we do this through Exchange programs, webinars, workshops, sector-focused Capacity building sessions, Trade fairs, matchmakings and membership community project activities, among others.
