US-based Licensed Professional Engineer, Dr Juliet Ohemeng-Ntiamoah, has clarified that the process of treating polluted water from contaminated water sources does not include the removal of heavy metals.
According to her, the standard water treatment process addresses turbidity but fails to eliminate harmful metals.
Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, October 5 on the sideline of the effect of illegal mining which has caused pollution of water bodies, Dr Ohemeng-Ntiamoah outlined the steps involved in water treatment, starting with coagulation, where a chemical such as alum is added to cause small particles that create turbidity to clump together.
She mentioned flocculation as the next step, during which these particles combine to form larger clumps, or “floc,” that settle at the bottom, leaving clearer water at the top.
Following this, she mentioned the disinfection process, where chlorine or other chemicals are used to kill pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.
The final step involves filtration to remove any remaining particles, ensuring the water is clear and safe to use.
In light of this, Dr Ohemeng-Ntiamoah stressed, “All these processes that I have described, none of them remove heavy metal. The typical water treatment process does not include the removal of heavy metals.”
She further explained that water sources contaminated with heavy metals should ideally not be used as drinking water.
According to her, the issue is far more serious than just the muddiness seen in polluted rivers across the country.
“With the treatment process of muddy waters, we remove the muddy side or the turbidity but then there is still residual heavy metals concentration that is not removed by the water treatment process and to be able to remove that, we need to add an additional process unit,” Dr Ohemeng-Ntiamoah added.
“Unlocking the Potential of Rural Youth: Harnessing Agricultural Technology for Sustainable Growth”
Africa’s rural youth communities hold the key to unlocking the continent’s agricultural potential. With over 70% of Africa’s population residing in rural areas, and 60% of the workforce engaged in agriculture, the sector’s growth is crucial for poverty reduction and economic development (AFDB, 2020). However, rural youth face significant challenges, including limited access to education, training, and resources, resulting in a brain drain and urban migration (FAO, 2019).
Yet, a new era of agricultural technology (AgTech) offers unprecedented opportunities for rural youth to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth. According to a report by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), digital agriculture could increase agricultural productivity by up to 70% and reduce poverty by 20-30% (IFAD, 2020).
This article explores the transformative potential of AgTech for rural youth communities, highlighting successful initiatives, entrepreneurial opportunities, and the policy support needed to overcome barriers to adoption.
CHALLENGES FACING RURAL YOUTH COMMUNITIES
Rural youth communities in Africa encounter numerous challenges that hinder their potential and limit their opportunities.
1. Limited Access to Education and Training
40% of rural youth lack access to secondary education (UNESCO, 2020)
Limited vocational training and skills development programs (ILO, 2019)
2. Insufficient Job Opportunities and Career Advancement
60% of rural youth are unemployed or underemployed (AFDB, 2020)
Limited access to markets, finance, and technology (FAO, 2019)
3. Brain Drain and Urban Migration
50% of rural youth migrate to urban areas in search of better opportunities (UNDP, 2020)
Loss of skilled and educated youth, exacerbating rural poverty (IFAD, 2020)
4. Limited Access to Resources and Infrastructure
30% of rural communities lack access to electricity (IEA, 2020)
Inadequate transportation, storage, and irrigation facilities (FAO, 2019)
5. Social and Cultural Barriers
Limited participation of women and girls in decision-making processes (UN Women, 2020)
Cultural norms and expectations constraining youth innovation and entrepreneurship (ILO, 2019)
These interconnected challenges perpetuate poverty, inequality, and social exclusion, undermining the potential of rural youth to drive Africa’s agricultural transformation.
THE ROLE OF AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY
Agricultural technology (AgTech) has the potential to revolutionize the agricultural sector in Africa, particularly for rural youth. By leveraging digital solutions, precision agriculture, and innovative business models, AgTech can increase productivity, improve decision-making, and enhance market access.
Digital Agriculture
Digital agriculture, which involves the use of digital technologies such as mobile apps, satellite imaging, and big data analytics, has shown significant promise in improving agricultural productivity. For instance, a study by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) found that digital agriculture can increase agricultural productivity by up to 70% and reduce poverty by 20-30% (IFAD, 2020). Similarly, a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlights the potential of digital agriculture to improve agricultural efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance decision-making (FAO, 2019).
Precision Agriculture
Precision agriculture, which involves the use of advanced technologies such as drones, satellite imaging, and precision irrigation, can significantly improve crop yields and reduce waste. According to a report by the African Agricultural Transformation Initiative, precision agriculture can increase crop yields by up to 20% and reduce water usage by up to 30% (AATI, 2020).
Mobile Applications
Mobile applications have also emerged as a key tool for rural youth to access agricultural information, markets, and financial services. For example, the Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency’s (ATA) mobile app has reached over 1 million farmers, providing them with critical information on weather, soil health, and market prices (ATA, 2020).
E-Extension Services
E-extension services, which involve the use of digital platforms to provide agricultural extension services, have also shown significant promise. A study by the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) found that e-extension services can increase farmers’ knowledge by up to 40% and improve agricultural productivity by up to 25% (CIAT, 2019).
Impact on Rural Youth
The adoption of AgTech has significant implications for rural youth. By providing access to digital platforms, precision agriculture, and mobile applications, AgTech can:
Improve agricultural productivity and income
Enhance decision-making and market access
Increase access to financial services and markets
Provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and job creation
Support climate-resilient agriculture
According to a report by the African Development Bank (AFDB), the adoption of AgTech can create up to 1 million jobs for rural youth in Africa by 2025 (AFDB, 2020).
OPPORTUNITIES FOR RURAL YOUTH
The adoption of agricultural technology (AgTech) presents numerous opportunities for rural youth to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities
Rural youth can leverage AgTech to establish innovative businesses, creating employment opportunities and improving livelihoods. For instance, a study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) found that agricultural entrepreneurship can provide up to 50% higher income for rural youth compared to traditional farming (ILO, 2020). In Africa, agricultural entrepreneurship has created over 1 million jobs for youth, with the potential to create up to 5 million more by 2030 (AFDB, 2020).
Digital Agriculture Services
Rural youth can provide digital agriculture services, such as precision agriculture consulting, drone-based crop monitoring, and mobile-based agricultural advisory services. According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), digital agriculture services can generate up to $1.5 billion in revenue annually in Africa (FAO, 2020).
E-Commerce and Market Access
AgTech enables rural youth to access global markets through e-commerce platforms, increasing their income and improving livelihoods. For example, the African Agricultural Transformation Initiative (AATI) has established an e-commerce platform connecting rural farmers to global markets, resulting in a 30% increase in income for participating farmers (AATI, 2020).
Agricultural Innovation Hubs
Rural youth can establish agricultural innovation hubs, providing incubation services, training, and mentorship to fellow youth. The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) has established innovation hubs, supporting over 500 youth-led agricultural startups and creating up to 2,000 jobs (KALRO, 2020).
Skill Development and Employment
AgTech requires specialized skills, creating opportunities for rural youth to develop expertise in areas such as precision agriculture, data analysis, and digital marketing. According to a report by the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), AgTech can create up to 100,000 skilled jobs for youth in Africa by 2025 (CIAT, 2020).
Policy Support and Investment
To harness these opportunities, policymakers and investors must provide supportive policies, funding, and infrastructure. The African Development Bank (AFDB) has committed $1.5 billion to support AgTech development in Africa, while governments such as Rwanda and Kenya have established AgTech-friendly policies and regulations (AFDB, 2020).
OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO ADOPTION
Overcoming Barriers to Adoption: Enhancing Agricultural Technology Uptake among Rural Youth
Despite the potential of agricultural technology (AgTech) to transform rural youth livelihoods, several barriers hinder its adoption.
Infrastructure Challenges
Limited access to electricity, internet, and mobile networks hampers AgTech adoption. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), 50% of sub-Saharan Africa’s rural population lacks access to electricity (IEA, 2020). Similarly, the African Development Bank (AFDB) reports that 70% of rural Africa lacks access to internet services (AFDB, 2020).
Digital Literacy and Skills
Rural youth often lack the digital literacy and skills required to effectively utilize AgTech solutions. A study by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) found that 60% of rural youth in Africa have limited digital skills (FAO, 2019).
Cost and Affordability
AgTech solutions can be expensive, making them inaccessible to many rural youth. Research by the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) shows that 50% of rural youth in Africa cannot afford AgTech solutions (CIAT, 2020).
Policy and Regulatory Frameworks
Weak policy and regulatory frameworks hinder AgTech development and adoption. The African Agricultural Transformation Initiative (AATI) reports that 40% of African countries lack clear policies supporting AgTech (AATI, 2020).
Social and Cultural Barriers
Social and cultural norms can limit rural youth participation in AgTech. A study by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) found that 30% of rural youth in Africa face social and cultural barriers to AgTech adoption (IFAD, 2020).
Strategies to Overcome Barriers
To address these challenges:
Governments and industry players need to Invest in rural infrastructure development, including electricity, internet, and mobile networks. Implement digital literacy and skills training programs for rural youth. Develop affordable and context-specific AgTech solutions. Strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks supporting AgTech and promote social and cultural inclusivity in AgTech adoption.
Initiatives and Success Stories
Several initiatives have successfully addressed these barriers:
The African Development Bank’s (AFDB) $1.5 billion investment in rural infrastructure development.
The Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) digital literacy program, reaching 100,000 rural youth.
The International Centre for Tropical Agriculture’s (CIAT) affordable AgTech solutions, benefiting 50,000 rural youth.
The African Agricultural Transformation Initiative’s (AATI) policy support, resulting in 20% increase in AgTech adoption.
CONCLUSION
The potential of agricultural technology (AgTech) to transform rural youth livelihoods in Africa is vast. By leveraging digital solutions, precision agriculture, and innovative business models, AgTech can increase productivity, improve decision-making, and enhance market access.
However, overcoming infrastructure, digital literacy, cost, policy, and social barriers is crucial for widespread adoption. Strategic investments in rural infrastructure, digital skills training, affordable AgTech solutions, policy support, and social inclusivity can address these challenges.
The success stories and initiatives highlighted in this article demonstrate that AgTech can:
Create employment opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures
Improve agricultural productivity and income
Enhance decision-making and market access
Support climate-resilient agriculture
To realize the full potential of AgTech, stakeholders must:
1. Prioritize rural youth in AgTech development and implementation.
2. Foster public-private partnerships for infrastructure development and funding.
3. Develop context-specific AgTech solutions.
4. Strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks.
5. Promote digital literacy and skills training.
Together, we can unlock the potential of rural youth and AgTech, driving sustainable growth, poverty reduction, and food security in Africa.
Call to Action:
Let us join forces to:
Support AgTech initiatives and innovations
Advocate for policy and regulatory reforms
Invest in rural infrastructure and digital skills training
Empower rural youth to drive agricultural transformation
RECOMMENDATIONS
Policy Recommendations:
1. Governments should prioritize rural infrastructure development, including electricity, internet, and mobile networks.
2. Establish clear policies and regulatory frameworks supporting AgTech development and adoption.
3. Implement tax incentives and subsidies for AgTech startups and entrepreneurs.
4. Develop programs for digital literacy and skills training for rural youth.
Private Sector Recommendations:
1. Invest in AgTech research and development, focusing on context-specific solutions.
2. Collaborate with governments and organizations to develop affordable AgTech products.
3. Establish mentorship programs and incubation hubs for rural youth entrepreneurs.
4. Develop public-private partnerships for rural infrastructure development.
Civil Society Recommendations:
1. Advocate for policy reforms supporting AgTech adoption.
2. Provide training and capacity-building programs for rural youth.
3. Establish networks and platforms for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
4. Support AgTech entrepreneurship and innovation.
Development Partners Recommendations:
1. Provide funding and technical assistance for AgTech initiatives.
2. Support policy reforms and regulatory frameworks.
3. Collaborate with governments and private sector to develop sustainable AgTech solutions.
4. Monitor and evaluate AgTech impact on rural youth livelihoods.
Research and Development Recommendations:
1. Conduct studies on AgTech adoption and impact on rural youth.
2. Develop context-specific AgTech solutions.
3. Investigate emerging technologies (e.g., AI, blockchain) for AgTech applications.
4. Establish research partnerships between academia, industry, and governments.
Youth Empowerment Recommendations:
1. Develop youth-led AgTech initiatives and organizations.
2. Provide training and mentorship programs for rural youth entrepreneurs.
3. Establish networks and platforms for youth knowledge sharing and collaboration.
4. Support youth participation in AgTech policy development.
GHANA IN PERSPECTIVE
Ghana has made significant progress in agriculture, but challenges persist:
25% of Ghana’s population lives below the poverty line (GSS, 2020)
50% of youth are unemployed or underemployed (MoYC, 2020)
Agriculture contributes 20% to Ghana’s GDP, but productivity remains low (MoFA, 2020)
Taking climate action through agrifood systems presents a unique opportunity to address all at once multiple global and local challenges, making it imperative that actors around the world exchange their experiences and information to foster a world with better solutions for hunger and human resilience.
“Advancing climate actions through sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems,” a side event hosted by FAO, Azerbaijan, Italy the United Arab Emirates and the World Bank on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Sunday, provided a platform for all Member States to present actions they have implemented to enhance their agrifood systems and to share their perspectives on what can be achieved at COP 29, the next international climate summit, and related fora.
“The science is clear,” said QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) in his featured intervention at the round table. “The consequences are evident.”
Qu emphasized how the climate crisis is already impacting agricultural production and productivity and undermining food security and rural livelihoods, noting that climate variability and extremes are one of the main drivers behind the current trends in global hunger, a scourge affecting more than 730 million people today. More than 40 percent of the world’s population is highly vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis, which demonstrably correlates to higher levels of undernourishment. “We must ensure that agrifood systems are fully integrated into national climate and biodiversity planning processes and strategies”, Qu added.
The challenges are inseparable and so are the solutions, the Director-General insisted, noting they lie at the core of FAO’s action plans and set out in the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031. He emphasized that transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable will require action in a host of areas ranging from livestock and the re-carbonization of soils to aquatic food value changes and ending deforestation.
Senior officials from various countries and institutions participated in the round table, which wrapped up with a presentation of the priorities for the upcoming COP29 to be hosted by Azerbaijan in November.
Qu hailed the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers, saying it “provides an important platform to foster collaboration for action and greater coherence”. He added that FAO was “pleased to host this initiative at its headquarters” as it would serve as an effective reporting mechanism from one COP to the next and focuses on FAO priorities such as empowering women farmers and youth.
New frontiers in Artificial Intelligence
Making sure the exciting prospects of Artificial Intelligence applications benefit smallholders is essential to achieving the best and most equitable agrifood systems transformation.
The UAE, which has committed sizable resources to the development of open-access platforms in this space, held another side event on Sunday devoted to “Agriculture in large language models (LLMs) and AI for smallholders.”
FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero noted that FAO has already embedded AI in a number of digital capabilities and that it could bring even more positive results if used widely and for the right purpose, benefiting all rather than exacerbating current divides. FAO is a signatory to the Rome Call for Ethics in AI since early 2020.
In that regard, Foundation Models, which are large deep-learning neural networks trained on massive data sets that help data scientists develop machine learning models for specific tasks more quickly and cost-effectively, and can accelerate the accessibility of high-performance AI solutions in a wide array of sectors.
FAO is enthusiastic about Foundation Models for agrifood systems to leverage FAO’s technical expertise through AI models to generate public goods and services, especially for small family farmers, Torero said. This would be beneficial for research, digital advisory and extension services and policy making, he said.
Defining the roles and responsibilities of key actors in such a collaborative effort will be key, he added.
World Food Programme, through the Food Systems, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation is embarking on a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening Ghana’s food systems with the goal of promoting increased value chains and generating employment opportunities specifically for the youth.
Over a projected period of five years, this program is designed to support 100,000 smallholder farmers while significantly reducing post-harvest losses and improving the income of these farmers.
This ambitious project was underscored during a graduation ceremony held at Ohawu Agric College on September 20, 2024.
The event celebrated the achievements of approximately 165 beneficiaries who graduated a six-week training program on Agricultural Engineering.
Speaking to Agric Today at the graduation ceremony, Stephen Odarteifio, the Food Systems Coordinator of WFP, Ghana, emphasized the importance of building the capacity of young people to guarantee economic freedom and sustainability.
He highlighted the striking contrast in practical skills acquired through targeted training compared to traditional university education.
“The skills you have acquired to manage agricultural equipment supersede those who have gone to university for four years,” Odarteifio noted.
He expressed his surprise at the disparity in practical training, stating, “it still baffles me as to how you can go through four years of university education, spending about 3,000 Ghana cedis on tuition every year and close to 10,000 Ghana cedis on food, yet not know how to operate a tractor.”
His comments shed light on the urgent need to reevaluate agricultural education in the country.
Odarteifio drew a comparison between medical professionals and agricultural engineers “a Medical Doctor who has studied medicine for about six years can operate on a human being, yet an agricultural engineer undergoes a similar length of study without the practical skills to operate essential machinery.”
He asserted that agricultural engineers are among the most underserved and underprivileged groups within Ghana’s workforce.
Recognizing the importance of practical skills, Odarteifio announced an investment initiative stating, “over the next two years, WFP Ghana, through the Food Systems Unit in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, will invest $100,000 in every agricultural colleges in this country.”
This investment aims to enhance the infrastructure and resources available for training future agricultural professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle the challenges facing the sector.
Sitsofe Nutsukpui, the Director of Finance and Programs of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana reinforced the significance of the graduation ceremony.
He described it as a moment to celebrate not only the beneficiaries but the advancement of the agricultural sector as a whole.
“This ceremony marks not only the culmination of hard work and dedication but also the beginning of a new opportunities in the field of post-harvest mechanization,” he noted.
Nutsukpui articulated the Chamber’s mandate in fostering growth in the agribusiness sector, which is essential for creating substantial job opportunities for Ghanaian youth.
He acknowledged that post-harvest losses continue to pose significant challenges within the agricultural sector and the broader economy. By equipping the beneficiaries with the necessary skills and mechanization, the program addresses critical issues related to food security and livelihoods in Ghana.
Nutsukpui further shared that approximately 60% of the beneficiaries have already secured placements across fourteen regions within various agribusiness enterprises, marking a promising start to their careers.
In an interview with Agric Today Media, Ambrose Entsiwah Jnr., the Volta Regional Director of the National Service Authority commended the graduates for their achievements and underscored the value of training programs that provide practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge.
“Such training programs give the opportunity to experience the practical aspect of the theories,” he stated.
Entsiwah highlighted the necessity for beneficiaries to engage in a one-year mandatory National Service, positioning it as a means of mobilizing young people into the workforce effectively.
He reiterated the program’s objective of reducing post-harvest losses, urging graduates to enter the workforce with enthusiasm and a commitment to driving change in the agricultural sector.
The beverage industry is facing a severe threat from an influx of smuggled soft drinks, prompting urgent calls for government intervention.
The American Chamber of Commerce and the Spain-Ghana Chamber of Commerce have jointly issued a statement containing stark warning about the illegal importation of canned and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) packaged beverages into the country, citing grave concerns for both the economy and public health.
The illicit trade, which reportedly involves products from neighboring countries, is undermining legitimate manufacturers and depriving the government of crucial tax revenue.
This comes as revenue for that segment of the market is estimated to reach US$1.24 billion this year, according to data aggregator, Statista.
Of particular concern are Coca-Cola products, which the chambers claim are “among the most affected” by this smuggling operation.
Industry insiders reveal that these contraband beverages are often sold without the required tax stamps and at prices that significantly undercut the market, suggesting a sophisticated operation that bypasses customs duties, excise taxes, and other mandatory levies.
“The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) cannot verify the quality of these beverages, as they bypass established health regulatory processes,” the statement warned.
Moreover, the reputation of authorised dealers and franchisees is at stake. The chambers noted that these legitimate businesses “suffer reputational damage when inferior products are passed off as their own in the market.”
The scale of the problem appears to be nationwide, with the Chambers calling for action in major urban centers including Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi.
This widespread distribution network suggests a well-organised smuggling operation that has managed to penetrate key markets across the country.
In response to this growing crisis, the chambers are calling for a multi-pronged approach involving several government agencies.
They have urged the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), particularly its Customs Division, to “take decisive action to halt the smuggling of these PET and canned beverages.”
The chambers are also seeking intervention from the Food and Drugs Authority, local authorities, and market leaders to protect brands and preserve government revenue.
Additionally, they have appealed to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, through the Ghana International Trade Commission (GITC), to address what they term as “unfair trade practices.”
This call to action underscores the complex nature of the problem, which straddles multiple jurisdictions and requires coordinated efforts across various government bodies.
“It is imperative that all stakeholders collaborate to combat this issue effectively,” the chambers emphasised.
In light of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) , analysts say the situation highlights the challenges facing Ghana’s efforts to foster a competitive business environment and protect its growing manufacturing sector.
Ghana stands to lose approximately $50 million in revenue if the European Union (EU) enforces a ban on the export of vegetables and other produce from the country, due to the continued devastation caused by illegal mining activities.
The Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana (VEPEAG) has expressed concerns over the severe consequences a potential EU ban would have on their industry.
In October 2014, the EU imposed a three-year ban on the import of gourds and Asian vegetables, including chillies and aubergines, to the union from Ghana, citing concerns over pest infestations that posed risks to the EU’s ecosystem.
This resulted in a revenue loss of approximately $30 million for Ghana. After an assessment by the EU’s Food and Veterinary Office, the ban was lifted. However, the Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association fears a repeat of this situation due to the ongoing pollution of water bodies used for irrigation, a consequence of illegal mining activities.
In an interview with the Association’s President, Dr. Felix Mawuli Kamasah urged the government to act swiftly to prevent further damage to the sector.
“We want to tell the government that they should quickly come out with a policy in terms of standard and quality and the measures we can put in place. This will enable us to secure what we are doing. Because when the ban is enforced, a lot of people will lose their jobs because most of the youth have a lot of interest in vegetable farming or agribusiness. With little knowledge we have, if the ban is enforced, what we are doing, we are looking around 50 million dollars which will be lost, “he noted.
VEPEAG also reaffirmed their commitment to join Organized Labour by the end of September in a demonstration against the government if no decisive policy is introduced to tackle the illegal mining menace.
“If the president does not come out with a policy by the close of the month, if we don’t hear anything from him, we will join the Labour people. This is because we work closely with the labour. We will join them for the demonstration because what we are telling the president is that he should come out like what he did to the COVID-19 issue.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana, Farmer Anthony Morrison, has said that the Ghana Cocoa Board has outlived its organizational relevance to cocoa farmers as the 45% producer price increment in cocoa prices does not resonate well with cocoa farmers.
The Chief Executive Officer made this assertion on the GBC Talking Point show on September 15, 2024.
In a conversation about the new cocoa price which has been reported as a 45% increase, Farmer Morrison compared the kilogram that makes up a cocoa bag in Ghana and other countries, indicating that Ghana is buying a bag of cocoa at 64kg, while Indonesia, which is the third-largest producer of cocoa, is buying a cocoa bag at 50kg.
He indicated that in the cases of other countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Indonesia, and other cocoa-producing countries, the kilograms are measured lower than in Ghana.
He indicated that a 45% increase in cocoa price is inadequate as farmers pay for everything they do on their lands, including weeding, spraying, buying and applying fertilizers, among other things.
He further reiterated that some farmers even pay for the lands they farm on because they rent the land.
He went on to say that there should be an examination of the factors that influence cocoa prices internally and globally, and these should be factored into the intervention of the Cocoa Board for farmers.
He therefore disagrees with Cocoa Board expenses at their headquarters since cocoa is produced on the field and not at the headquarters.
He indicated that the bureaucracy at the Cocoa Board is part of the reason why the board has declared losses for the past seven years.
“We need to look into the Cocoa Board’s structural position, functions, and competitive advantage in the global market,” he said.
According to Farmer Morrison, there is a need for a new Cocoa Board that is market-oriented.
“Its approach must add value to Ghana’s cocoa. We need to export value-added cocoa to the international market and not raw cocoa; that is where the board can get money to pay the cocoa farmers what they deserve.”
Echoing the sentiments of Farmer Anthony Morrison, the Executive Director of Tarzan Enterprise Limited, Ziad Hamoui, also questioned the Ghana Cocoa Board on their huge expenses while their mission is to produce, process, and export cocoa.
He also shared the thoughts of Anthony Morrison, stating that the current cocoa price increase of 45% doesn’t seem fair to farmers.
He indicated that cocoa price alone doesn’t determine the value of cocoa, as pricing is one of the factors that lead to the smuggling of cocoa to other countries.
The agriculture and aquaculture associations has called on the President and the Parliament for immediate and decisive actions to combat galamsey by ceasing all galamsey operations immediately, and requested immediate resignation or dismissal of the Minister for Mines and Natural Resources and his deputies, restoring degraded lands, and prosecuting perpetrators.
According to the associations, the critical issue of illegal mining (galamsey) is wreaking havoc on the nation’s agricultural and aquatic ecosystems.
They called for urgent implementation of measures to halt galamsey operations and conduct environmental assessments.
They made their stance known in a press release dated September 12, 2024, jointly signed by stakeholders in the Agriculture and Aquaculture value chain.
The associations called for the implementation of sustainable mining practices, support for affected communities and industries, the setup of a National Anti-Galamsey Steering Committee comprising respected non-partisan citizens and key stakeholders, and the deployment of military and police personnel to galamsey-prone areas.
To end galamsey, the associations stated that there should be the provision of alternative livelihoods, the development of a National Mining Policy, and the setup of a Galamsey Rehabilitation Fund, as well as promoting agroforestry and reforestation efforts.
The associations further reiterated the detrimental impacts of galamsey activities on Ghana’s environment.
They highlighted the widespread depletion of Ghana’s Forest Reserve and the destruction of 78% of freshwater bodies (FAO, 2022), loss of aquatic life, biodiversity, and significant economic repercussions, including a $1.2 billion annual fish import bill (GSA, 2023).
They indicated that the threats to food security, job creation, health, and national stability (MoTI, 2022), alarming pollution levels in water bodies and forest cover loss (EPA, 2023), health risks such as cancer, respiratory diseases, and birth defects linked to exposure to hazardous substances used in galamsey (GHS, 2023), and estimated annual economic losses of $2.3 billion with over 1 million individuals directly involved in galamsey (GSS, 2022).
The coalition, therefore, urged the Minister of Food and Agriculture to publicly denounce galamsey’s impact, collaborate with the Minister of Environment, protect farmers’ lands, and support affected farmers, and advocate for sustainable agricultural practices.
The coalition stands resolutely against the devastation caused by galamsey and calls for innovative solutions, community involvement, and justice for affected regions.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in partnership with the Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers have officially launched the National Livestock Day that is scheduled on October 3rd and 4th, 2024 at the Efua Sutherland Park, Accra.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has stated that livestock farming is crucial in the country as it creates jobs, provides food and nutrition, and boosts the country’s economy.
The Ministry, through the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Alhaji Hardi Tufeiru made this statement at the media launch of National Livestock Day, held at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture Project Office in Cantoment-Accra, on September 10, 2024.
The Deputy Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing livestock farming as a key factor in its development agenda. The celebration of National Livestock Day aligns with this commitment and aims to spotlight the sector’s importance.
Speaking to Agric Today on the theme, “A Thriving Livestock Industry Towards Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security for Economic Growth,” the Deputy Minister pointed out that livestock farming is integral to the livelihoods of many Ghanaians, particularly those in rural areas who rely on it for income and sustenance.
As part of the National Livestock Day celebrations, the event will feature a diverse range of ruminant livestock breeds. There will be significant discounts on meat products available to the general public.
Hon. Tufeiru highlighted that the future prosperity of Ghana is closely linked to the growth of the livestock sector, which plays a pivotal role in boosting the national economy.
He encouraged corporate entities, businesses, and other organizations to participate as sponsors and partners in this important event.
Dr. Doris Yaa Osei, the Acting Deputy Director of the CSIR-Animal Research Institute, echoed the Deputy Minister’s sentiments. She emphasized that the livestock sector is essential to the country’s development, contributing 4.9 billion Ghana Cedis to the GDP in 2022.
Dr. Yaa Osei said the benefits of livestock extend beyond food and nutrition security; they also include valuable by-products such as manure for crop farming and hides for manufacturing footwear and bags.
She affirms the CSIR-Animal Research Institute’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers, and other stakeholders in the livestock value chain.
The goal is to achieve national self-sufficiency in food and nutritional security while generating income through improved and sustainable livestock production practices.
The Deputy Director of the Animal Production Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture Dr. Abdul Razak Okine spoke on the directorate’s objectives.
He stated that the directorate is committed to creating an enabling environment for the livestock sector to thrive in Ghana.
As part of this commitment, they plan to embark on a nationwide tour to gather input from livestock farmers, processors, and other stakeholders involved in the livestock value chain.
Dr. Okine reiterated the importance of the exhibition, which will be held on October 3rd and 4th, 2024, and expressed the positive impact that the event will have on the sector.
In the rapidly evolving world of AgriTech, innovation needs the right conditions to flourish. While many African entrepreneurs possess bold visions, they often face challenges in accessing the necessary resources and networks to bring their ideas to fruition.
Supporting African startup companies that align with agriculture technology goals can target local challenges, such as limited access to weather predictions, crop information, and processing methods, leveraging technology to bridge gaps and uplift underserved communities. Investors in these firms can generate profits and contribute to socioeconomic progress and poverty reduction.
$50,000 AgriTech Startup Pitch Competition
MEST Africa Challenge 2024 is open to early-stage agritech startups that have at least $5,000 in monthly recurring revenue for at least six months, raised less than $1 million and are less than three years old. They should be from key West African markets, including Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Togo.
The winning startup will receive $50,000 in equity funding along with access to MEST’s extensive global network, unlocking valuable partnerships, mentorship, and investment opportunities to accelerate their growth and global presence.
