by Bismark | Feb 13, 2023 | Article
This year Agrihouse Foundation is committed to exploring more creative and innovative ideas that will have increased impacts on our projects and beneficiaries, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa has noted.
“Last year, we focused on working smart. By doing so, we made the most of our internal and external resources to scale up our impacts. This year, we aim to build on the efforts we implemented in 2022, with more creativity and innovation,” she said in the very first office meeting for the new year.
While expressing gratitude to sponsor organizations and stakeholders whose financial and technical support contributed to successes the Foundation chalked last year, Ms. Akosa reiterated the need for more partnerships and collaborations this year, which she said, is the way to sustain development and productivity, within the agric sector. Last year, Agrihouse Foundation chalked a number of successes across the value chain through its interventional projects and collaborations.
Gathering of the Royals: the Gathering of the Royals, which the Foundation initiated last year brings together representatives from Development Partner agencies, Government institutions, Parliamentarians, Embassies, Policymakers, Researchers, Academia, Religious leaders, the civil society and Agricultural Value Chain actors and stakeholders.The event has been designed as an experts’ thought sharing and solution-oriented platform that will gives the above stakeholders the platform to elaborate on Agricultural development projects and initiatives they are championing in their various clans and districts.
Last year, the event brought together fifty (50) Queen Mothers and traditional leaders to discuss agricultural development, and highlight projects they are championing in their various clans and districts. The event hosted selected parliamentarians, development partners and corporative institutions to be part of the conversations around agric development, making room for practical, realistic and achievable solutions to be discussed. Through a Call TO ACTIONS Communique, policy directions aimed at strengthening sustainable farming and a women friendly agricultural system was put together and presented to the political figures and organizational leaders who were present at the event.
Agricultural Students’ Career Guidance & Mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp (AG-STUD): this practical beginner Agribusiness initiative is designed to develop agric students, beginner agribusinesses and start- up’ expertise, while exposing them to the dynamics of the market, through education and leadership programs essential for achieving success in agriculture and agribusiness. In the past five years, AG-STUD-AFRICA, has benefitted over 1000 agribusiness students and beginner agribusinesses develop strong and bankable business plans. The Agricultural Students Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue bootcamp (Ag-Stud Africa) benefitted about 60 students last year. Since 2018, over 700 over agric students and beginner agribusinesses have participated in the bootcamp, developing strong and bankable business plans. The experience has empowered over 500 students from 30 different schools with entrepreneurship skills, and supported them with start-up capital to start their agri-businesses. About 250 beginner agribusinesses have been established by students who have participated in AG-STUD.
Livestock Poultry & Fisheries Trade Show (LiPF): The tradeshow aims to ensure all facets of the agricultural sector, including animal agricultural production, receive equal attention and resources. The annual event offers participants the opportunity to exhibit their products and services, engage in panel discussions and dialogues and go through training sessions, such as Livestock Training Session • Piggery Training Session• Rabbit Training Session • Cattle Training Session • Fisheries & Aquaculture Training Session • Grasscutters Training Session • Snail Training Session. TheTradeshow (LIPF), has in the past four years attracted local and international animal farmers and exhibitors from countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia, since 2019. The two-day event has empowered over 50,000 sub holder farmers to venture into animal agriculture, with training and capacity building skills in poultry, piggery, rabbit, cattle, and snail farming. Over 90% of participants and exhibitors testify positively about the event, describing it as a perfect introductory training program for animal farmers.
Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards: this project was designed and first implemented in 2019 by Agrihouse to enable women develop their agricultural skills, motivate, mentor and build upon their capabilities to becoming independent. WOFAGRIC, over the past years has helped shape and build more professionals in the field of agriculture, importantly, has been a source of women empowerment. The two-part project has over the years acknowledged the industriousness of women in agriculture by awarding them through the Gold in the Soil Awards. This awards scheme goes a long run to motivate other women to venture into the fields of agriculture business. Over the years, a number of the nominees for the Gold in the Soil Awards made entries into the National Best Farmers Award Scheme at district, regional and national levels.
About 7 of them have won laurels at the district and regional levels whist 2 of them picked up awards at the National awards. Over 25% of participants are now thriving as agribusiness owners because of the agribusiness management training they receive during the events. Most of the women have taken up leadership roles within their within their communities and regions, as aggregators, NGO Founders, Women Farmer Organization leaders, among others. In 2021, about 50% of women farmers recorded at the event manage 10 to 65 acres of farmland, and are between the ages 25-65years, with a number of them being women farmers with a physical disability.
Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibitions: the Annual Pre-harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibitions is the only project that was handed down to Agrihouse Foundation by USAID, as part of the organizations exiting strategy. The event has become one of the leading and highly impactful interventional market linkage events on the Ghanaian Agribusiness calendar, providing long-term market development opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses. The award-winning market-linkage platform promotes business partnerships among value chain actors, especially farmers, buyers, processors, government, Development partners, transporters, input dealers, civil society, equipment dealers, financial institutions, telecom companies and policy makers.
Pre-harvest culminates with conferencing events, presentations, exhibitions and market place for business-to-business meeting. It also serves as a dynamic platform for farmers to negotiate and seal contracts, and seeks to strengthen the capacity of Farmer Based Organizations (FBO’s), Aggregators, Processors and value chain actors for them to play a key role as agricultural market actors. It further assists farmers and agribusinesses to expand their businesses before and after harvesting.
Ghana Chicken Festival (GHA-CHICK): the event is aimed to encourage the purchase and consumption of Ghana chicken to Ghanaians; create a platform for households, Stakeholders to be educated and informed about the significance of consuming locally bred birds (Chicken, Guinea Fowl and Turkey) and coupled with informative fun-filled activities, in an atmosphere of entertainment and relaxation. Last year, the 2nd edition of the festival (GHA-CHICK) brought together over fifty (50) Households, last year; in a relaxed atmosphere, with great music and recreational games like oware, Scrabble, Ludo and Monopoly, the families sampled different meals made with chicken.
1 household, 1 Garden Initiative (1h,1g): the 1 household, 1 garden is an initiative collaterally intended to further scale up government’s ongoing efforts to support families and communities to be more self-reliant, while its core objective is to provide Ghanaians a simple and easily accessible source of augmenting their daily food need without often stepping out beyond their homes. The 1 household, 1 garden initiative essentially aims at triggering a wave of self-sufficiency and enhanced nutrition through the ignition of interest in home gardening, in the wake of COVID-19, to mitigate the effects of food accessibility. Being funded by AGRA through USAID- Feed the Future Program, has in its first phase empowered over 2000 households to become more self-reliant and conscious about food security. The households are freely provided 12 assorted vegetable seedlings, manure, garden tools, treated soil, Training Manual, garden structures, and given the needed support and gardening manuals to help them establish their garden and manage it.
The 1household, 1garden Initiative, being funded by AGRA through USAID- Feed the Future Program, has in its first phase empowered over 2000 households to become more self-reliant and conscious about food security. The households are freely provided 12 assorted vegetable seedlings, manure, garden tools, treated soil, Training Manual, garden structures, and given the needed support and gardening manuals to help them establish their garden and manage it.
International Farmers and Agribusiness Resilience and Sustainability Convention (INTAFAC): INTAFAC seeks to bring together Farmers and the members of the Agribusiness sector to influence transformation; with focus on public-private partnerships, investment opportunities, significantly raise the bar and create an action-driven blueprint towards further agricultural development in the country. INTAFAC will set a stage for open and informed dissuasions and debates on major social, human and environmental obstacles that hinders the development of a buoyant Agri-economic, market resilience and self-sustainable Agri- institution.
The convention will engage Agri-leaders, players and experts from government; Farmer based Organizations, development partners, Finance, businesses, technology, academia and actors. They will share their knowledge and expertise on how the agricultural sector in Ghana can begin to focus, develop and adopt strategies, policies, and techniques, that will positively impact and scale up efforts, in building a sustainable, commercially viable and all-inclusive Agricultural sector. The event is expected to come off in March.
The Agri-Woman Marketplace: the marketplace seeks to support women Agribusinesses recover, grow and promote their farm produce, products and services. It provides free exhibitions and marketing space for the women to sell and promote their products and services, whiles opening up their access to markets. Fully sponsored by Agrihouse Foundation, the initiative empowers women led agribusinesses, as a way of helping them to recover fully from the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over 200 women farmers and women-led agribusinesses have so far benefited from the agri-woman marketplace event, which also offers opportunity for knowledge sharing and capacity-building dialogues. The event has created networking opportunities for agri-women in areas such as farming, processing, packaging, marketing, IT service providers among others. This has led to increase in their sales, with a number of them securing major deals with local and international companies that purchase raw and semi-processed agricultural produce.
AgriWatchgh News Portal and Mobile App: AgriWatchgh: AgriWatchgh is a agric-focused news portal and a bi-weekly newsletter platform of Agrihouse Foundation that updates stakeholders with agricultural news, issues, and trends regionally, nationally and globally. You can access to relevant and timely agric news at www.agriwatchgh.com. AgriWatchgh News Portal was initiated in the early months of 2019, at the height of the COVID-19 epidemic, when the Foundation noticed the dire socio-economic implications the spread of the virus was having on the agricultural sector, in the country and beyond. A year down the line, AgriWatchgh New Portal has become a fast growing, prominent news website, among Ghanaians and international stakeholders.
AgriWatch News App: The fast growing visibility and general acceptance of AgriWatch News Portal necessitated the design and implementation of the mobile news App, ‘AgriWatch News App’ makes accessing news on ‘AgricWatch News Portal,’ easier and more convenient for readers. The mobile ‘AgriWatch News App.’ is on the Google Play Store. With these relevant and trustworthy news platforms, the Foundation seeks to continue expanding it communications portfolio and make agriculture-related news more related, exciting and friendly to all Ghanaians and agri-stakeholders across the globe.
Agrihouse Communications
This is the sister company of Agrihouse Foundation, with personnel’s who have vast knowledge in Ghana’s agric sector. This background makes Agrihouse Communications preferred corporate organization serving the agric sector as well as for the entire sectoral stakeholders. With our practical and experiential Public Relations expertise, Media Relations and proven Events Management, our company remains high on the list in this special niche. Agri-comms provides a broad range of communication service packages designed to deliver the best communication derived successes to our clients, ranging from media relations, social media or digital communication, public relations, new media and result oriented events.
by Bismark | Feb 13, 2023 | Article
Creativity and innovation are two essential components needed in the growth of agriculture. Ghana’s agricultural sector, specifically, has the potential of becoming a major driver of the country’s economic growth, if efforts are increased by government and stakeholders to adopt more creative and innovative ways to improve work in the sector. This year at our focus at Agrihouse Foundation is to continuously reiterate this all important call to government, our partners and stakeholders, while exploring more creative and innovative ways of executing our own tasks and projects.
Agric Sector Challenges
Even in the face of many challenges, Ghana’s agricultural sector plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, accounting for approximately 25% of Ghana’s GDP and employing more than half of the country’s population. The sector is also a major source of foreign exchange, with exports of cocoa, coffee, and other agricultural products accounting for a significant portion of Ghana’s export revenues. However, one of the major challenges facing Ghana’s agricultural sector is the lack of access to modern technology and infrastructure.
Many farmers still rely on traditional methods of farming, which can lead to low productivity and a lack of competitiveness in the global market. Additionally, the sector is plagued by a lack of access to credit and other financial services, which can make it difficult for farmers to invest in the technology and equipment they need to improve their yields. Therefore many farmers in the country continue to rely on traditional farming methods, which are labor-intensive and less efficient compared to modern techniques. This not only results in lower crop yields but also increases the risk of crop failure due to pests and diseases.
Another challenge facing the agricultural sector in Ghana is a lack of access to credit and financial services. Many farmers in Ghana lack the resources to invest in their farms and purchase modern equipment, which limits their ability to increase crop yields and improve their livelihoods.
Poor infrastructure is also a major challenge facing the agricultural sector in Ghana. Many rural areas lack basic infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and irrigation systems, making it difficult for farmers to transport their crops to market and access inputs such as fertilizers and seeds. Additionally, poor storage facilities and lack of access to electricity and cold storage means that many farmers are unable to preserve their crops and are forced to sell them at low prices.
Climate change is also having a significant impact on the agricultural sector in Ghana. The country is experiencing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, which are leading to droughts and floods. This is making it more difficult for farmers to predict the best time to plant and harvest their crops, and is also increasing the risk of crop failure.
Another challenge facing the agricultural sector in Ghana is a lack of access to markets. Many farmers in Ghana are unable to sell their crops at fair prices due to a lack of information about market prices and the lack of access to buyers. This means that many farmers are forced to sell their crops at low prices, which does not provide them with enough income to invest in their farms and improve their livelihoods.
Government Efforts
In recent years, the government of Ghana has taken steps to address these challenges and to promote growth in the agricultural sector. For example, the government has implemented policies aimed at increasing access to credit for farmers, as well as programs designed to promote the adoption of modern technologies and techniques. Additionally, the government has invested in infrastructure projects, such as the construction of irrigation systems and the expansion of rural roads, to improve access to markets and to make it easier for farmers to transport their goods.
Another key area of focus for the government has been the development of the country’s cocoa sector. Ghana is one of the world’s largest producers of cocoa, and the government has implemented a number of initiatives to help farmers improve the quality of their cocoa and to increase their productivity. These include the distribution of high-yielding cocoa varieties, the provision of training and technical assistance to farmers, and the establishment of a quality control system to ensure that Ghanaian cocoa meets international standards.
In addition to these government-led efforts, the private sector has also played an important role in the development of Ghana’s agricultural sector. Private companies have invested in the development of new technologies and equipment, and have worked to provide farmers with access to markets and other resources. Additionally, several private companies have established large-scale agribusinesses in Ghana, which have helped to create jobs and to promote economic growth in rural areas.
Despite these efforts, there are still a number of challenges that need to be addressed in order for Ghana’s agricultural sector to reach its full potential— one being the lack of significant creativity, technology and innovation in the sector.
Technology and Innovation in the Agricultural Space
Technology, creativity and innovation have played a significant role in improving agriculture around the world. The use of technology in agriculture has helped farmers to increase productivity and efficiency, while also reducing costs and the environmental impact of farming. Additionally, the application of creativity and innovation has led to the development of new business models, marketing strategies, and sustainable agricultural practices.
One way in which technology has improved agriculture is through precision farming. Precision farming is the use of technology such as GPS, drones, and sensors to collect data on crop growth, soil moisture, and weather conditions. This data is then used to optimize planting, fertilization, and irrigation, which can lead to higher yields and lower costs. Additionally, precision farming can help to reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers, which can have a positive impact on the environment.
Another way in which technology has improved agriculture is through the use of automation. Automation can be used to reduce labor costs and increase efficiency, for example, the use of tractors and other machinery can help farmers to plant, harvest and tend their crops more quickly and with less effort. Additionally, the use of robotic systems can be used for tasks such as planting, harvesting, and monitoring crop growth.
Creativity and innovation have also played a role in the development of new business models and marketing strategies in agriculture. For example, the use of community-supported agriculture (CSA) and direct marketing can help farmers to connect with consumers and to negotiate better prices for their products. Additionally, the use of digital platforms and e-commerce can be used to connect farmers to global markets, and to increase their competitiveness.
Furthermore, sustainable agricultural practices have been improved through the application of creativity and innovation. These practices include organic farming, regenerative agriculture and agroforestry, which combines forestry and agriculture. These practices can be used to improve soil fertility, conserve biodiversity, and reduce the negative impact of agriculture on the environment. Moreover, precision farming techniques can also be used to reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers and to increase crop yields, which in return, will lead to sustainable agriculture practices.
Advancing Agriculture with Creativity and Innovation
In Ghana, there is a need for increased investment in modern technology and equipment, in the agric sector; as well as the development of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and irrigation systems. There also needs to be a focus on increasing the resilience of the agricultural sector to the impacts of climate change, through the promotion of climate-smart farming practices and the development of drought- and flood-resistant crops. Furthermore, there is a need to increase access to markets for farmers in Ghana, through the development of market information systems.
One of the key ways that technology can improve the agricultural sector in Ghana is through the use of precision farming. Precision farming is a modern approach to farming that uses technology such as GPS and sensor-based devices to gather data on soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop growth. This information can then be used to optimize crop yields and reduce the use of inputs such as water and fertilizer. This approach is particularly valuable in Ghana, where farmers often lack access to modern agricultural equipment and are forced to rely on traditional methods of farming that are less efficient and less productive.
Another way that technology can improve the agricultural sector in Ghana is through the use of mobile applications and other digital tools. For example, farmers can use mobile apps to access market information, weather forecasts, and other important data that can help them make better-informed decisions about planting and harvesting crops. Additionally, digital platforms such as e-commerce websites can connect farmers directly with buyers, eliminating the need for intermediaries and allowing farmers to receive better prices for their crops.
Creativity and innovation can also play a vital role in improving the agricultural sector in Ghana. For example, farmers can use creative problem-solving techniques to develop new and innovative solutions to the challenges they face. This could include developing new crop varieties that are more resistant to pests and diseases or finding new ways to use waste materials as fertilizers. Additionally, farmers can use creative marketing strategies to promote their products and build stronger relationships with buyers.
Innovation can also be used to improve the supply chain and logistics of the agricultural sector in Ghana. For example, using modern technologies such as drones and autonomous vehicles for crop spraying and harvesting can improve the efficiency and productivity of the sector. Additionally, blockchain technology can be used to create a secure and transparent supply chain that ensures that farmers receive fair prices for their crops while also ensuring that buyers receive high-quality products.
In conclusion, technology, creativity, and innovation can play a major role in improving the agricultural sector in Ghana. By embracing these tools and approaches, farmers can increase their productivity, reduce their costs, and access new markets. Additionally, by using technology and innovation to improve the supply chain and logistics of the sector, farmers can ensure that their products reach consumers quickly and efficiently, leading to better prices and greater success for the sector overall. Government and private sector should also support this move by investing in technology, training and research and development to enhance the agricultural sector.
by Bismark | Nov 3, 2022 | Press Release
Three Senators from the State of Nebraska, United States of America, and an International consultant, are set to arrive in Ghana on Sunday, November 13, 2022, for a 5-day visit.
Their visit is aimed at working and developing business relations between Ghana and the State of Nebraska, with a focus on Agriculture, Agro Processing, Energy, Lands and Natural Resources.
In a press release issued by Agrihouse Foundation, the co-host of the visiting senators, described the visit as one that will create the much desired economic path opening up and deepening opportunities between Ghana and the State of Nebraska, especially for actors in the Livestock and Agro Processing sub-sectors.
The visiting Senators are upbeat about the immense mutually beneficial fallouts from their visit as they anticipate there will be more to learn about the Investment and Development opportunities in Ghana, especially through expected interactions with both the Public and the Private sectors’ key players, as well as through field trips for first-hand experience.
The visiting delegation of Senators include the twenty-five years old Julie Slama, who happens to be the youngest woman serving in the State of Nebraska.
Miss Slama made waves on the internet in early April 2022, when she took to the Nebraska senate floor to support the Human Life Protection Act. Earlier in the year, she had also introduced the Heartbeat bill, a bill to ban abortion after a baby’s heartbeat is detected. Her bills on agriculture, rural economic development, and education passed support.
She presently serves on several Executive Boards in Nebraska, including the Judiciary Committee, Retirement Committee, Banking, Commerce, and the Insurance Committee; and she is very passionate about causes and issues in the Health and Agriculture sectors.
Leading the delegation is former Senator Ken Schilz who served for eight years as a Nebraska State Senator representing ten counties in western Nebraska. He was elected Chairman of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committees and served on the Banking, Commerce, Insurance, Business, Labor, Education, and General Affairs Committees. He is a Strategist who has, over the years, worked with various companies to create relationships with communities and other entities to further Economic Development, Entrepreneurship and Job Growth within the State.
Before serving in the Legislature, Schilz managed a 20,000 herd feed yard for 15 years. Presently with Nebraska Strategies, the former Senator is keen on sharing and leveraging on his experience to develop and strengthen Investment, Impact Projects, especially in Agro Processing and Value Addition.
Kofi Amoabin, the non-Senator amongst the visiting group, is an International Consultant on Political Affairs and International Trade. Amoabin has assisted many US companies to do business in Africa, just as he has similarly assisted sub-Saharan entities to do business in the U.S.
Amoabin’s role as a consultant encompasses projects in the US, Germany, UK, Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Cameroon, Uganda and others.
The successful Consultant who once served as an election judge in Will County, Illinois since 2008 has, also, between 2013 and 2014, worked as News Reporter in Ghana when the candidate Nana Akufo-Addo challenged Ghana’s 2012 Presidential Elections.
Finally, Senator Andrew La Grone who represented Nebraska’s 49th Legislative District where he served as the Vice Chair of the Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee, championing Voter ID and Election Integrity Legislation.
Senator La Grone also led a filibuster that secured a vote on the largest property tax cut package in the State history. Prior to serving in the Legislature, Andrew served as the Legal Counsel for the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee from 2016-2019, and on the Washington, D.C. staff of Congressman Adrian Smith. He graduated from the University Of Nebraska College Of Law with High Distinction in 2015, running his own Law Firm.
The leader of the eminent delegation, Senator Schilz, says that whilst in Ghana, they will also jointly launch, with Agrihouse Foundation, the “Nebraska-Ghana AgriValue Addition Acceleration & Development Conference” – NEGRI-VAD, an annual event, which aims to develop business markets amongst Ghanaian Value Chain Actors and businesses in Nebraska, United States of America.
“We are all excited about coming to Ghana and are confident that, by the end of our five (5) days visit, we should have been able to have met the right people, had a better understanding of the respective sectors and laid the grounds for the beginning of a Ghana- Nebraska sustainable relations,” he concluded.
by Bismark | Oct 27, 2022 | Press Release
Agrihouse Foundation has opened its 12th annual pre-harvest agribusiness exhibition and conference to connect people involved in agricultural value chains.
The event, currently underway is taking place at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale with the aim of encouraging business partnerships.
It is in partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), and Northern Regional Coordinating Council, with sponsorship from from Yara Ghana, Ecobank, Agricultural Development Bank and GIZ.
The exhibition has the theme: “Connecting the Unconnected – The Farmer, the Buyer and the Market”.
It featured over 100 dealers who exhibited agrochemicals, seeds and farm machinery and inputs.
The three-day event includes commodity break-out sessions for farmers, processors and other participating categories to receive capacity building training.
Miss Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, in her welcome address, said over the years, Agrihouse through the exhibition platform had linked small scale enterprises to buyers at local and international levels.
She said the platform had connected many agriculture value chain actors, generated substantial revenue, and urged participants to use the opportunity to build long lasting relationships with other businesses.
Mr Yaw Frimpong Addo, Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, said the Ministry acknowledged that pre-harvest conferences over the years had provided unique platforms for effective communication of plans and programmes.
He said agribusiness had also contributed to the country’s agricultural system, by eliminating gender biases, insecurity and promoting seasonal farming that had transformed and given practical meaning to agriculture in the country.
He stated that MoFA, since 2017, had set out strategic initiatives such as the Planting for Food and Jobs to tackle the fundamentals of agriculture.
Alhaji Shani Alhassan Saibu, Northern Regional Minister, commended Agrihouse Foundation for sustaining the event that connected agricultural stakeholders in the region.
He described the theme as apt and said poor market access during bumper harvest was becoming a major challenge militating against farmers in the country, adding that farmers would be disconnected from their markets if the situation persisted.
He urged stakeholders to invest in improving the state of market channels within the agricultural sector to halt challenges such as post-harvest losses, poor pricing and transportation issues.
Mr Danquah Addo-Yobo, West Africa Regional Director of Yara International encouraged participants to pursue opportunities and take advantage of Yara’s initiatives to grow their businesses.
He noted that as part of the Yara Grow Ghana initiative, the organisation would donate 300 bags of fertilizer each, to women in the Saint Cecilia Cooperative and the Northern Widows Association by the close of the event.
GNA
by Bismark | Oct 27, 2022 | Press Release
A pre-harvest agribusiness conference and exhibition, on the theme: “Connecting the unconnected: The farmer-the-buyer and the market”, is underway in Tamale in the Northern Region.
The three-day annual event, which is in its 12th year, began last Tuesday. It serves as a platform for the entire agribusiness eco-system in the north to dialogue and exhibit products.
It is being organised by the Agrihouse Foundation, an NGO, in partnership with ECOBANK, Yara International, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC).
Among the participants are fertiliser, irrigation and seed companies; dealers in tractors, machinery and equipment; technology firms, banks and financial institutions; processors, researchers, government institutions and development partners.
A Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Yaw Frimpong Addo, said the government was committed to ensuring a paradigm shift in agriculture from being a way of life to a serious business.
He said the government would continue to place emphasis on adding value to the country’s agricultural produce for export and local consumption to create wealth for farmers and jobs for the teeming youth.
“Agriculture in any form should no longer be constrained or limited by socio-economic, cultural and other factors.
“The ministry has been tackling the fundamentals through the introduction of new policy initiatives and strategies under the Planting for Food and Jobs, our flagship programme,” Mr Addo added.
He commended the organisers of the annual event, saying it set the agenda to reap the full potential in agriculture through the creation of market linkages for actors in the value chain.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akosua Akyea, said the event had, for the past years, become a leading market linkage on the country’s agricultural calendar
It also created opportunities for direct members and partners of the agricultural community to come together through exhibitions, field and practical training and demonstrations, buying and selling, as well as networking, she said.
“I am happy to report that for the past 11 years, Agrihouse and its partners, through this platform, have been connecting and engaging the agricultural sector, linking small-scale farmers and groups to buyers and connecting international agribusinesses to local ones,” she said.
According to her, the conference had recorded about 118 exhibitors, with a 45 per cent increase in exhibitor participation this year, adding that much sale of inputs such as machinery and equipment had been made.
The Northern Regional Minister, Shani Alhassan Shaibu, also commended the Agrihouse Foundation for organising the event over the years to connect farmers to various actors in the agricultural value chain.
He said despite the fact that agriculture was the backbone of the country’s economy, accounting for over 74 per cent of northern Ghana’s employment, it was unfortunate that the rich and diverse agricultural potential of the region remained untapped.
