by Bismark | May 1, 2023 | Article, News
Agrihouse Foundation, recently organized a highly successful and impactful sixth edition of its annual Agricultural Students’ Career Guidance & Mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp (AGSTUD Africa), in Accra, on the theme, “5 years of Grooming, Training and Empowerment- Where we are now with our Agribusiness.”
In a welcome address at the opening ceremony, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, said, annuall, the beeotcamp converges agriculture students, beginner agribusinesses and agriculture enthusiasts, from across agric colleges, universities and senior high schools in the country, to receive mentoring and coaching in various capacity building and competence-based training activities. The sessions and activities enlighten the students about the agricultural market; as well as empowers them to start and oversee sustainable agri-businesses in their schools and within their communities.
She therefore urged the beneficiaries to prioritize networking among themselves, as they learn from the resource persons available. She said networking is a fundamental key to the success of any business, and therefore, it was important for the beneficiaries to get to know one another beyond casual friends.
She urged them to discuss their business ideas among themselves, forge strategic friendships that will lead to more business collaborations after the 5-day AG-STUD Bootcamp. “Make the most out of the 5-days here. Make strategic friendships and then continue from here,” she stressed.
Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, “Agric creates more opportunities for young people”
For his part, the Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Yaw Frimpong-Addo, who delivered the Keynote motivational address, said urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the bootcamp. He urged them to learn from past the beneficiaries, mentors, and industry experts who were present to impart them with knowledge.
He noted that, agriculture would continue to play a critical role in the economic transformation of the country, adding that, while the country’s population has been projected to increase by 4.3 million people between 2022 and 2027, a well-developed agricultural industry will help provide food and jobs to stimulate further economic growth.
He therefore commended Agrihouse Foundation for investing in and introducing interventional projects like AG-STUD Bootcamp, which was helping young Ghanaians, build futures in the agricultural sector.
2022 National Best Farmer, “Fail seven times rise up eight”
For his part, the 2022 National Best Farmer, Nana Yaw Sarpong Siriboe, urged the agric students to approach agriculture like any other business. He said the youth has all the potentials needed to develop and positively change the face of agriculture in the county, and therefore commended Agrihouse Foundation for working with stakeholders to promote agric entrepreneurship amongst the Ghanaian youth.
While using his own story to encourage the young beneficiaries, he stressed on the need for mentorships, which he said, when taken seriously, would prevent the young agriprenuers from repeating mistakes. He also urged the young people not to give up in the face of challenges, which were bound to come.
“I have been in farming for the past twenty-two (22) years. I have won awards and gained great recognition. Many people know my success story as the National Best Farmer. However, I have come from a humble beginning from Ejusu Juaben Municipal best farmer in 2014 to the Ashanti Regional best Oil Palm farmer in 2015 to the Ashanti Regional first runner up in 2016 to the National first runner up in 2019 and finally to the National Best Farmer in 2022,” he said.
He added, “It has been a long and tortuous journey. I have gone through the mill and every stage of the journey comes with its own peculiar struggles. However, like every successful entrepreneur, struggles and challenges are inevitable. If there is a successful entrepreneur here, who has not seen struggles and challenges, then I am sorry to say that his vision is not big enough. I am here to announce to you that tough times will always come. The only difference between some of us who have made it and those who did not is that we never quitted. Fail seven times rise up eight.”
Madam Nora Goa, “Challenges cpen fresh opportunities for business”
The Managing Director of LK International, Madam Nora Goa, highlighted challenges faced by businesses in today’s competitive business landscape. She emphasized that in order to thrive and succeed, it is crucial for entrepreneurs to proactively identify new markets for business expansion. Madma Gao shared her expertise on how to identify and tap into new markets for sustainable growth.
Ms. Gao explained that exploring new markets can open up fresh opportunities for businesses. She advised the participants to conduct thorough market research to identify potential markets that align with their products or services. This includes understanding the demand for their products, market size, customer preferences, and competitive landscape. Ms. Gao also encouraged students to think creatively and consider untapped markets or niche segments that may offer significant growth potential.
Mr. Ebenezer Acheampong, “Don’t live to impress”
Mr. Ebenezer Acheampong, Senior Elder of the Church of Pentecost (Ghana), empowered the students with a financial Talk, on the topic, The Gospel and Discipline of Financial Management.” He outlined principles of financial success, “nothing can be done without law and order,” he said. He also noted that people are attracted to quality goods and services and therefore urged the young agripreneurs to focus on producing quality products for the market. He stressed on the need for investing as an agribusiness, adding that it was important to differentiate liabilities from assets. He further urged the young agribusiness owner to live within their means, stressing that living to impress should not be the goal for an entrepreneur.
Participating Colleges, Universities and High Schools
The 5-day bootcamp hosted about three hundred and fifty (350) campers and non-campers, this year. About twenty-five (125) of the beneficiaries were fully camped; the rest were day-campers, drawn from selected senior high schools, including, Academy Senior High School, and O Reilly Senior High School, Ashaiman Senior High School, Ngleshi Amanfro Senior High School, and Chemu Senior High School.
Participating colleges were, Adidome Agric College, Asuansi Farm Institute, Damango Agric College, Ejura Agricultural College, Kwadaso Agric College, Wenchi Farm Institute, Ohawu Agric College, and Fair River Agric Institute, Veterinary College, and Animal Health Production and college.
The universities included, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, Methodist University, University of Development Studies, All Nations University, Ghana Christian University College, and the University of Energy & Natural Resources, Central University.
Within the 5-days bootcamp, the participants were taken through Competence-Based, Capacity Building and field training Sessions that were structured to achieve specific goals, purposes and targets at the end of the bootcamp. Focused sessions included Agri-Growth, Agri-Inspire and Mind-Set Shaping Sessions, which shaped mindsets and assisted the participants to articulate their business ideas. The Ag-Voyage, Agri–Booster and Agri-Value Session, grew and activated teamwork, pushed out the creative and innovative composures of the beneficiaries, which helped them develop their art of public speaking, persuasive, negotiating abilities, presentation skills, problem solving tactics and dynamics. Throughout the bootcamp, participants, on a daily basis, were taken through Health, Mental and disciplinary drills.
Representatives of Agrimonti, Naanam Ventures, FDA, GEPA, AGRA, KL International, MOFA, CPC, GIPC, NPRA, ADB, Dizengoff, OCP Ghana, Carbon AV, Cocoa Processing Company, Broadspectrum Ghana, Blue Skies, Mastercard Foundation, Newmont, and Yara Ghana, served as mentors, coaches and trainers, throughout the 5-days.
Female agribusiness students win top cash prizes
Three Female Agribusiness Students and Aspiring Agripreneurs emerged as winners of cash prizes at the 6th Agricultural Students Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue bootcamp (AG-STUD), held in Accra on Monday 27th march to Friday 31st march 2023.
Charlotte Yawa Sodzedo, 24, of Adidome Farm Institute, won the maiden Agromonti Ultimate Prize Pitch, while Grace Idani of Central University and Angela Afia Pokuaa of University of Cape-coast, both won the Nanam Ventures Ultimate Prize Pitch.
Nine (9) final year agribusiness students competed for the Ultimate Prize Pitch designed to allow the aspiring Agripreneurs demonstrate how they were each going to develop, grow and sustain their business ideas, within a period of two years.
After a tightly contested session, judges adjudged Charlotte Yawa Sodzedo, the overall winner of the Prize Pitch, declaring the ideas and initiatives she plans to put in place to grow and sustain her agribusiness, as most practical and smart.
In partnership with Agrihouse Foundation, Agromonti will set-up a state-of-the-art input dealer business, estimated at thirty-five thousand Ghana cedis (35,000 GHC) for Charlotte in her community of residence. Nanam Ventures awarded Grace and Angela two thousand Ghana cedis (2000 GHC) and a thousand Ghana cedis (1000 GHC), respectively, as seed capital to enable them to kick start their agribusiness projects.
Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa expressed her excited about the outcome of this year’s AG-STUD Bootcamp, and she was much impressed that three females won the challenge, adding that this showed that women were beginning to take charge in the agriculture sector.
She commended the three young women for winning the top prizes and encouraged them to focus on pursuing their dreams with the support they have received.
She also extended gratitude to Agromonti and Nanam Ventures for investing in the aspirations of the young Agripreneurs, she said, Agrihouse Foundation was also committed to empowering more young people to realize their agri-futures through the AG-STUD Bootcamp.
She noted that the partnership with Agromonti, to set-up an Input Dealer Business in any region for the ultimate winner of the Challenge, was a huge milestone and a significant boost in building strategic career paths for young agribusiness professionals, straight after school.
This milestone, she added, would also contribute strongly to the Government’s efforts over the years, in making quality input and resources more accessible, by ensuring that there is an Input Dealer establishment in every district.
Speaking after her win, an overjoyed and emotional Charlotte Yawa Sodzedo, thanked Agromonti and Agrihouse Foundation for the honour, while promising to manage and sustain the investment when it is finally set-up.
Grace Idani and Angela Afia Pokuaa, both thanked Nanam Ventures for providing them with seed capitals to start their agribusiness projects. They also promised to work hard and pay the support forward to other beneficiaries of the bootcamp, in some years to come.
Beneficiary impacts & success stories
Past beneficiaries including Obed Asamoah, Solomon Benambemon, Mamaga Mary Hundo and Perfect M.A Nyikplorkpo, who were at the event shared their inspiring success stories with participants, to motivate them to make the most of the 5-day bootcamp experience.
Obed Asamoah, who was part of the 2019 Cohorts, received a seed capital of Gh500 to start his mushroom farm. Within two years Obed scaled up his production and currently supplies to African Shops in the US and UK on order. For a while, he served as a trainer at our Livestock, Poultry, Fisheries Training and Tradeshow. Through hard work, Obed has now earned a scholarship to pursue graduate studies in Asia.
Perfect M.A Nyikplorkpo, a former student of Adidome Farm institute and a 2021 and 2022 beneficiary of AGSTUD Bootcamp is into lettuce production, she processes moringa into Lipton, moringa species and natural species. Having registered with the Food and Drugs Authority, she has her products on the market and in supermarkets across the country.
Mamaga Mary Hundo, a 2022 beneficiary located in the Oti Region. Mary is into agri processing, processing groundnut into paste and soya processing. Mary processes soya beans into soya milk, and soya powered which can be used in different foods, because of its high protein content. Through her innovation and creativity, she has come up with her own mix of gari and soya-poweder, which sells with the help of her employee. Her agribusiness is called Mamaga’s kitchen.
Solomon Benambemon, a 2020 beneficiary of AGSTUD and former Managing Director of AG-STUD Kwadaso Business Club, is presently an agronomist at Jubaili Agrotech Limited. While in school, he worked on a livestock project with his mates. When he left school, he rented a piece of land and a vegetable production, including garden eggs and pepper. After 3 months of cultivation, he started earning some money from the weekly sales of the produce. Shortly after, through the support of Agrihouse Foundation, he landed a job at Jubaili Agrotech Limited. “I work as the senior agronomist for the organization and by the grace of God; I have had the opportunity to travel to Nigeria, Togo, Benin and most principal parts of Ghana and still aiming for more and better experiences in the future. All of these were made possible because of the exposure I got from AG-STUD,” Solomon shares.
James Elikem Brown, a past student of Nglieshie Amanfrom SHS who was part of the Bootcamp in 2019, is among our shining examples. James, presently runs a three (3) acre pineapple farm, where he has employed some of his colleagues. In the past year, he has ventured into producing pineapple juice, which he has registered with the Food and Drugs Authority.
Dauda Mustapha a former student of the All-Nations University, who was a part of the AGSTUD Bootcamp in 2020, was supported with agric inputs to start a watermelon farm. Through the training and leadership skills acquired at the bootcamp, he diversified by going into cowpea production as well. Presently, he has added 5 acres of yellow corn to his crop production, and is supplying to poultry farmers in the northern region.
Mustapha, also from the All Nations University, who owns an 80-acre watermelon and cowpea farm, after participating in AG-STUD in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
Ella, a 2019 beneficiary from KNUST, who I running a thriving Mushroom farm, through the seed capital given her. Beyond her daily sales, Ella serves as a Trainer in her community, training over 200 people so far.
In the last five (5) years, the bootcamp has directly groomed, trained and empowered over one thousand two hundred beneficiaries, and indirectly, about ten thousand participants who have established sustainable agri-businesses in their schools and within their communities.
by Bismark | May 1, 2023 | Article, News
Three Female Agribusiness Students and Aspiring Agripreneurs emerged as winners of cash prizes at the 6th Agricultural Students Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue bootcamp (AG-STUD), held in Accra on Monday 27th march to Friday 31st march 2023.
Charlotte Yawa Sodzedo, 24, of Adidome Farm Institute, won the maiden Agromonti Ultimate Prize Pitch, while Grace Idani of Central University and Angela Afia Pokuaa of University of Cape-coast, both won the Nanam Ventures Ultimate Prize Pitch.
Nine (9) final year agribusiness students competed for the Ultimate Prize Pitch designed to allow the aspiring Agripreneurs demonstrate how they were each going to develop, grow and sustain their business ideas, within a period of two years.
After a tightly contested session, judges adjudged Charlotte Yawa Sodzedo, the overall winner of the Prize Pitch, declaring the ideas and initiatives she plans to put in place to grow and sustain her agribusiness, as most practical and smart.
In partnership with Agrihouse Foundation, Agromonti will set-up a state-of-the-art input dealer business, estimated at thirty-five thousand Ghana cedis (35,000 GHC) for Charlotte in her community of residence. Nanam Ventures awarded Grace and Angela two thousand Ghana cedis (2000 GHC) and a thousand Ghana cedis (1000 GHC), respectively, as seed capital to enable them to kick start their agribusiness projects.
Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa expressed her excited about the outcome of this year’s AG-STUD Bootcamp, and she was much impressed that three females won the challenge, adding that this showed that women were beginning to take charge in the agriculture sector.
She commended the three young women for winning the top prizes and encouraged them to focus on pursuing their dreams with the support they have received.
She also extended gratitude to Agromonti and Nanam Ventures for investing in the aspirations of the young Agripreneurs, she said, Agrihouse Foundation was also committed to empowering more young people to realize their agri-futures through the AG-STUD Bootcamp.
She noted that the partnership with Agromonti, to set-up an Input Dealer Business in any region for the ultimate winner of the Challenge, was a huge milestone and a significant boost in building strategic career paths for young agribusiness professionals, straight after school.
This milestone, she added, would also contribute strongly to the Government’s efforts over the years, in making quality input and resources more accessible, by ensuring that there is an Input Dealer establishment in every district.
Speaking after her win, an overjoyed and emotional Charlotte Yawa Sodzedo, thanked Agromonti and Agrihouse Foundation for the honour, while promising to manage and sustain the investment when it is finally set-up.
Grace Idani and Angela Afia Pokuaa, both thanked Nanam Ventures for providing them with seed capitals to start their agribusiness projects. They also promised to work hard and pay the support forward to other beneficiaries of the bootcamp, in some years to come.
Institutions that participated in this year’s AG-STUD bootcamp were, Adidome Agric College, Asuansi Farm Institute, Damango Agric College, Ejura Agricultural College, Kwadaso Agric College, Wenchi Farm Institute, Ohawu Agric College, and Fair River Agric Institute, Veterinary College, and Animal Health Production and college. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, Methodist University, University of Development Studies, All Nations University, Ghana Christian University College, and the University of Energy & Natural Resources, Central University.
The bootcamp also made room for daily non-campers; Agric students drawn from selected cycle institutions, including, Labone Senior High School, Accra Academy Senior High School, and O Reilly Senior High School. The rest are Ashaiman Senior High School, Ngleshi Amanfro Senior High School, and Chemu Senior High School.
Throughout the 5 days, participants were engaged in practical learning in diverse fields, led by mentors, trainers, and coaches, drawn from different industries, who groomed, mentored, and trained participants in hands-on Capacity-Building sessions, equipping them with knowledge and skills that would enable them to establish sustainable agri-businesses in their schools and within their communities.
They also participated in corporate field tours, aimed at familiarizing them with different kinds of agribusiness operations in the country where they received in-depth knowledge on Agribusiness in a number of intensive pitching and presentation sessions, drills, and other mind-engaging activities.
Past beneficiaries including Obed Asamoah, Solomon Benambemon, Mamaga Mary Hundo and Perfect M.A Nyikplorkpo, who were at the event shared their inspiring success stories with participants, to motivate them to make the most of the 5-day bootcamp experience.
The bootcamp was supported by Agronomoti Ghana Limited, Holland Akokor, Cocoa Processing Company, Nanaam Ventures, B-diet, Kofi Venyo Ventures, WAF Agro, FDA, Dizengoff Ghana Limited, Agric Development Bank (ADB). It was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association (NFFAWAG).
In the past six (6) years, the annual Bootcamp has supported about 1,250 beneficiaries to develop their ideas into businesses, supported Agribusiness companies, to recruit smart and fresh graduates and contributed a drive and mindset development of young people, while exposing them to career paths and opportunities within the Agribusiness value chain.
by Bismark | Feb 13, 2023 | Article, News
About eighty-six (86) paramount and sub queen mothers from across the sixteen regions of the country, together with representatives from academia, policy, government, development agencies and agric institutions, will be converging in Accra, for the 5th edition of the “Gathering of the Royals” event.
Organized by Agrihouse Foundation, the development-focused interventional event, annually, focuses on strengthening working relationships among royals, traditional and corporate leaders, towards the initiation of collaborative efforts and exploration of further opportunities within the agric sector.
Focused on the theme, “Championing Agri-growth through our Queen Mothers – The Agri booster Module,” this year’s event is expected to take place at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel in Accra, on Wednesday, February 22, 2022.
In a press statement, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, said this year’s “Gathering of the Royals,” will pick up from where it ended last year, by examining the progress of the call the actions that were developed last year, as part of efforts to advance and influence policy directions that strengthen partnerships among traditional leaders and agric stakeholders, towards the holistic growth of the country’s agricultural sector, with much focus on the empowerment of more sustainable women farmers.
The royal panel conversations, which will be replicated again this year, will give us an opportunity to present accurate assessments of how we are all working together, as industry players to address the issues presented in the call to action communique last year, she said. They included, gender mainstreaming within the agric sector; the provision of access road from the farms, and to the markets; the need for irrigation and water sources on farmlands; sustainable provision of agric inputs; interventions for easy access to stress free finance; and sufficient availability of extension officers, among others.
The paramount queen mothers will have a chance to highlight agric modules that are proving successful and how working with relevant stakeholders is adding to the social and economic impacts they are making in their regions, districts and communities. They will have a chance also to reiterate the progress of new or continuing agricultural development initiatives they are championing in their various clans and districts, since the event last year, “At the end of the event, we are expecting to come-up with more realistic measures that can be addressed through policies and community interventions. We hope to mobilize and empower more women farmers in our rural areas, through the efforts of their queen-mothers, and their collaborations with other traditional leaders, corporate bodies, stakeholders in academia, government and development partners, among others,” Ms. Akosa emphasized.
This year, besides the eighty-six (86) Queen Mothers and Traditional Leader, the event is expected to draw about two hundred and fifty (250) participants and high profiled dignitaries from across sectors including development partners, government agencies, private institutions, academia, research associations and civil society organizations.
We are anticipating all our invited guests will honour our invitation to be part of the event this year, to make the event a highly successful one. Annually, the event is in partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, COCOSHE, and the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association, Ms. Akosa noted.
Corporate Sponsors, including OCP Africa, Agromonti Company Limited and Moudlyn Limited have pledged financial and technical commitment towards the success of the upcoming event.
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 | Oct 26, 2022 | Article
Over one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five (1775) value chain actors were recorded yesterday; made of several farmer groups across the districts, farmers with physical disability.
Exhibitors and service providers were made up of aggregators, agric foods processors, input dealers, machinery and transport services providers, ICT, branding and communications experts, extension services providers, among others.
Cutting the ribbon and afterwards touring the exhibition stands in the company of other dignitaries, the Northern Regional Minister expressed satisfaction at the classes of exhibitors and service providers represented, “it is bigger than last year,” he noted.
The three (3) day event continues today with Exhibitions, Farmer-to-Buyer Matchmaking Sessions, Capacity building and Training Sessions and Farmer-to-Farmer Apprenticeship Sessions.
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Miss Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa Sarpong
Yara Ghana Yara International
USAID – US Agency for International Development
