To transform Ghana’s agribusiness ecosystem credibility, the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana in collaboration with the Business Advisory Service Providers Association of Ghana (BASPAG), with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through Feed the Future Ghana Trade and Investment have launched Business Development Service (BDS) application and the Ghana Business Directory for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.
According to the CEO of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana, Farmer Morrison the Directory will provide SMEs with enhanced opportunities for accessing credit facilities more easily and will facilitate partnerships with key stakeholders across the Agribusiness value chain.
“We have developed an Agribusiness Directory and a service provider network to improve the credibility, accessibility, and affordability of services for these businesses,” He elaborated.
He emphasized that the BDS application and the Ghana Business Directory will serve as a critical platform, helping to establish a credibility bureau within the SME sector.
He further noted the importance of implementing a robust verification system to ensure the legitimacy of applicants and the services they offer, including trade, financial advisory, and business development services.
Moreover, Morrison announced that the Chamber plans to establish the Ghana Agribusiness Club One-Hundred aims to assist Agribusinesses and SMEs in securing substantial loans from credit facilities.
Farmer Morrison underscored the Chamber’s commitment to ongoing partnerships with entities such as Ghana Trade and Investment, Feed the Future, USAID, and other collaborators.
He acknowledged the support received from these partners, which has been instrumental in their programs, particularly in the Northern region. There, they engaged with farmers through what they refer to as the Farmer Policy initiative, aimed at educating farmers on agricultural policies and practices.
The Ghana Soybeans Farmers and Aggregators Association wants the government to as a matter of urgency, withdraw the ban on the exportation of grains.
The association says the ban is not the best for farmers whose livelihoods depend on grain exportation.
The government on Tuesday, August 27, announced a ban on grain exportation to address the drought spell in the northern part of the country.
Director of Administration for the Ghana Soybeans Farmers Aggregators Association, Abdul Hakeem Issah, said the ban is not the best.
“The recent ban on grains cannot solve the problem. And what we are saying is that the situation can still be resolved. It is not bad yet.
“What we are saying is that Buffer Stock was created to accumulate grains, grains in the peak season, and store them at their warehouses and release those grains during the lean season which the government has failed to do over the years. So we are saying that as the situation exists currently, we shouldn’t put in the ban.”
The Business Advisory Service Providers Association of Ghana (BASPAG) and the Chamber of Agribusiness of Ghana, with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through Feed the Future Ghana Trade and Investment, have unveiled the Business Development Service (BDS) application and the Ghana Business Directory for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.
This initiative is designed to transform, support, and empower SMEs, ensuring their success and sustainability.
Speaking on the theme “Empowering Ghanaian Agribusiness: Unlocking Growth through Digital Innovation,” Nikaj Van Wees, Chief of Party of the Ghana Trade and Investment program, affirmed that the BDS application and the Ghana Business Directory represent crucial catalysts for development and improvement in the agribusiness sector.
Van Wees highlighted that the application is designed to leverage existing resources to help all businesses thrive.
He emphasized that the BDS application is not just a tool but a means to foster inclusivity within the sector. Allowing all stakeholders to subscribe to the platform, it aims to bring together various partners and facilitate collaboration.
Van Wees stressed that the application will play a key role in joining forces, sharing resources, unlocking new opportunities, and shaping a brighter future for the agribusiness sector.
The CEO of the Chamber of Agribusiness, Farmer Anthony Morrison, underscored the importance of the newly launched BDS application.
He pointed out that the application is set to play a crucial role in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 9, which is centred on the fostering industry, driving innovation, and enhancing infrastructure.
Additionally, it will contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 17, which is aimed at bolstering global partnerships.
Farmer Morrison highlighted that the BDS application aligns with these goals by promoting technological advancements and fostering collaborative efforts, thereby supporting broader economic and developmental objectives.
Juliana Asante-Dartey, Deputy CEO of Agri Impact Group, addressed the stakeholders gathered, emphasizing the significance of embracing technological advancements.
She underscored that the traditional methods of agribusiness are becoming outdated and that technology is the future.
Asante-Dartey expressed optimism about creating approximately 360,000 jobs in the next four years through this initiative.
“We can not continue to rely on the traditional ways of agribusiness,” she asserted, highlighting the need for modern approaches to meet evolving demands and improve productivity.
The President of the Business Advisory Providers Association of Ghana, Sam Atiemo, commended the BDS application.
He noted that the application represents more than just a platform—it signifies a fundamental change in how business is conducted.
Atiemo explained that with the convenience of a digital platform, businesspersons can connect with clients at minimal costs, significantly enhancing productivity.
“Let’s unlock the potential of our SMEs as enablers of growth and change; it’s not only an application but a bridge,” he stated, underlining the transformative impact the application is expected to have.
Franklin Karikari, Director of Business Support at the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Plan (NEIP), discussed the application’s role in supporting young entrepreneurs aiming to contribute to the country’s food supply.
Karikari noted that the BDS application offers a valuable opportunity for the government to engage with young people in the agribusiness sector.
He expressed strong governmental support for the initiative and anticipated its successful implementation and utilization.
The launch of the BDS application and the Ghana Business Directory marks a significant step forward in supporting and empowering SMEs within Ghana’s agribusiness sector.
The initiative promises to facilitate modernized practices, foster collaboration, and drive economic growth by leveraging digital innovation.
Through the collective efforts of various stakeholders, this project aims to unlock new potential, enhance productivity, and contribute to a thriving agribusiness ecosystem in Ghana.
The BDS application is available on Google Play Store and App Store with the name BDSGH.
In recent days, I’ve been deeply engrossed in reading Manasseh Azure Awuni’s 409-page book, “The President Ghana Never Got”. The book’s ironic title mainly highlights the political developments under Ghana’s current president. Every night at 21:00 GMT +2, I make it a point to stream JoyNews live to catch the major news bulletin from Ghana.
On August 22, 2024, while browsing the internet, four significant news headlines grabbed my attention, reminding me of how I could apply MaxQDA to identify patterns, categorisation, themes etc., during content analysis, as discussed in our qualitative lecture—all the news headlines related to the country’s food security threat.
1. “Farmers Count Their Losses as Dry Spell Jeopardises Crop Yields” – Source: Adomonline.com, August 19, 2024
2. “Techiman Muslims Hold Islamic Prayer and Rain Ritual to End Drought” – Source: JoyNews 12pm News, August 21, 2024
3. “Bagre Dam Spillage: Limited Relief Items Available, Move to Higher Ground” – Source: Myjoyonline.com, August 19, 2024
4. “Drought: GHS 1.18 Billion Agriculture Investment at Risk” – Source: Graphic.com News, August 22, 2024
Food security in the West African subregion is a critical issue that needs collaborative efforts from the political actors and the scientific communities.
As I said a collaborative effort is needed, and Ghana as a key player in the region, is well-positioned to take a lead role in such endeavour. Ensuring food and nutritional security should be a fundamental priority any nation should strive to achieve.
Just as the economists say, “money is the lifeblood of every economy” and so is food also the fuel for a healthy and active population. Without a well-nourished populace, no meaningful economic activities can take place, and hence a zero-sum game in game theory.
The other day, I found myself wondering whether crop growth depends solely on the availability of freshwater or specifically on rainwater. Of course, fresh water in any form, including rivers, lakes, streams, etc., is essential for plant growth. But when I came across the first, second, and third news reports, I couldn’t help but ask myself, has the same God cursed us? Farmers are counting their losses as the dry spell jeopardises their crop yields, despite the claim that the meteorological agency’s forecast predicts such weather conditions. The question is whether the farmers were not informed due to a failure in agricultural extension services, or if they were informed but chose not to believe in the predicted outcome.
In today’s world, we cannot continue to do things the way our grandparents and those who came after them did. We have access to tried and tested technologies that should empower us to make precise weather predictions over an extended period.
Although, I acknowledge some efforts have been made, however, we understand the metaphorical expression that says, “put money where your mouth is,” we would recognise that the current investment in the Meteorological Agency is woefully inadequate. In most parts of the world, one would have to check the weather conditions before going out.
The Bible in Luke 10:19 KJV states, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” We have been blessed with everything we need to conquer hunger, poverty, and unemployment. What we truly need is leadership—strong and effective leadership. It would be frustrating to keep asking your earthly father for help with something he has already empowered you to overcome. So I think it would be for God.
For all these years, the potential benefits from the annual spillage of the Bagre Dam remained untapped. As an agriculturist, I had read and believed the NPP’s 2016 manifesto promise of “1 district, 1 dam” as a potential game changer in boosting the country’s irrigational scheme– offering smallholder farmers much-needed irrigation opportunities.
That notwithstanding, I had hoped that the groundbreaking for the multipurpose Pwalugu Dam would finally put an end to the devastating effects of the Bagre Dam spillage. Unfortunately, it turned out to be nothing more than a phantom project.
Why do we continually allocate funds for relief items in anticipation of future disasters, rather than investing in solutions to prevent those catastrophes? We could draw inspiration from Henry Kissinger, the German-born American bureaucrat and 1973 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who once said; “There can’t be a crisis next week; my schedule is already full.” This mindset underscores the importance of proactive measures addressing problems before they escalate into crises.
Again, why wouldn’t the Techiman Muslims in the Bono East Region muster the same determination to demand accountability from their leaders on the 1 District 1 Dam promise, instead of turning to Allah for propitiation?
We should not be pleased that the rains have started pouring down, as crop production follows a specific calendar period.
I recall how my former District Director of Agriculture (DDA), Mr. Lovelace Kudoto, currently the DDA at Ketu North Municipality Assembly, Dzodze, would consistently press the honourable District Chief Executive (DCE) to release the Modernising Agriculture in Ghana (MAG) fund promptly.
The timely release of budgeted funds was essential to ensure that the interventions outlined in the department’s work plan were implemented, enabling farmers to fully benefit from the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme.
When the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme began in 2017, subsidised fertilisers and seeds were sold to farmers at 50% of the original cost.
However, even now, some farmers across the 216 departments of agriculture have not fully settled their debts, and the departments have not fully recovered the funds. The farmers just refused to pay under numerous reasons, some cogent but majority refused paying because the inputs came from the government.
Those debts are still sitting on the books of the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District (MM/D) Department of Agriculture. I believe this led to a policy shift in subsequent years, where private businesses were allowed to manage PFJ inputs while the various departments focused on providing technical assistance.
Fast forward, in 2024, as part of the Ghana Agriculture and Agribusiness Platform (GhAAP) farmer registration, the ministry is distributing free inputs (fertiliser and seeds) to farmers in the various MM/D Assemblies at GHS1.18 billion, I think. If we can distribute free inputs to farmers today, why didn’t we do this long ago? And why now—could it be because we are in 2024?
Although the government may intend well, the current delay in the rain is making it difficult for farmers to utilise those inputs effectively. My advice to those planning to cultivate cereals now should consider using early-maturing seeds, such as Omankwa (maize), Jasmine 85 (rice), Bance (rice), Togo Marshall (rice). The list is not exhaustive, so consult your extension agent in your operational area for further guidance to maximise your chances of a successful harvest.
As a matter of urgency, we need policies that will boost crop production in the short to medium term. This can be achieved through two main approaches: expanding the cropped area and enhancing agricultural practices to increase productivity per unit area. Targeted subsidies can significantly improve production among smallholder farmers.
However, we must also address the needs of experienced commercial farmers, who have often been overlooked in our agricultural policies. It’s time to consider coupled payments for commercial farmers.
While we encourage smallholder farmers to improve their practices to boost productivity per unit area, commercial farmers could be supported with coupled payments to incentivize them to expand their production. This balanced approach will ensure that all farmers regardless of their scale of production are empowered to contribute to national food security and economic growth.
The Chairman and Chief Executive of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana, Anthony Kofituo Morrison, has criticised the government’s decision to ban the exportation of grain.
He described the ban as a “knee-jerk reaction” arguing that it was unnecessary.
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story, Mr. Morrison argued that the available data on grains does not justify the ban.
“We at the Chamber find the ban a bit unnecessary. We think it is a knee-jerk reaction from the government. If you look at the data the government is presenting, we are importing 300,000 metric tonnes of maize and 150,000 metric tonnes of rice.
“Our national consumption for maize is around 3.2 million metric tonnes, with a deficit of about 900,000 metric tonnes. For rice, the consumption is around 1.92 million metric tonnes, with a deficit of nearly 1 million metric tonnes,” he explained.
This follows the announcement of an immediate ban on the export of key grains, including maize, rice, and soybean in response to the ongoing dry spell that has devastated agricultural production in eight regions.
According to the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, this measure will ensure food security within the country.
But Mr. Morrison noted that the current dry spell is indeed a national security issue.
He pointed out that many warehouses near the northern borders are hoarding grains, and he believes this is an opportunity for the government to engage with grain traders to mop up grain out of the system.
In a bid to address the disconnect between Ghana’s youth and the burgeoning opportunities in agriculture, Jobberman Ghana is set to host the Jobberman Ghana Career Fair and Employer Forum on Wednesday, August 28- Thursday, August 29, 2024. The event, which will be held at the UPSA Auditorium from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day, is a key component of the Agriculture Innovation for Africa (AIA) Conference.
The career fair, themed “Beyond the Fields: Exploring Agribusiness and Job Opportunities for Young People,” aims to illuminate the vast potential within Ghana’s agricultural sector and to foster engagement between industry stakeholders, employers, and job seekers. This initiative aligns with Jobberman Ghana’s ‘Discover the New Agric’ initiative under the Harnessing Agricultural Productivity and Prosperity for Youth (HAPPY) Program. This program seeks to unlock agri-business employment opportunities for young Ghanaian women and men.
“In Ghana, agriculture is the bedrock of our economy, yet there remains a notable disconnect between its potential and the career opportunities it presents,” said Jemima Ashietey, Head of Marketing at Jobberman Ghana. “Our goal with this career fair is to shift that narrative and show young people that agribusiness is not only viable but rich with diverse career paths.”
She further emphasized, “The Jobberman Ghana Career Fair is crafted to be a comprehensive platform for dialogue and interaction between aspiring professionals and agribusiness employers. We aim to showcase the wide range of career options within agriculture and address the challenges faced by employers in this vital sector.”
The event, a collaboration between Jobberman and Kosmos Innovation Center, is anticipated to attract approximately 500 job seekers and will feature 50 employers who will exhibit and engage with attendees. Highlights of the event include networking opportunities, panel discussions, and skill-building workshops.
In addition to addressing the knowledge gap, the fair will also provide insights into the numerous underappreciated career opportunities within agribusiness. By connecting job seekers with industry leaders, the event seeks to inspire and prepare the next generation of professionals in the agribusiness value chain.
In a statement, the Executive Director of Kosmos Innovation Center, Mr. Benjamin Gyan-Kesse highlighted the importance of empowering young people to interact with industry stakeholders on work-readiness skills and available opportunities within the agricultural value chain, contributing to the nation’s economic growth. “We are excited to support this initiative and look forward to its positive impact on Ghana’s agribusiness landscape” he remarked.
For more information on the Jobberman Ghana Career Fair and Employer Forum, visit Jobberman Ghana’s Career Fair and Employer Forum website www.jobberman.com.gh/career-fair-2024 or call 0270176662.
Farmer General of the Concerned Farmers Association, Nana Oboadie Boateng Bonsu says he supports Ghana Cocoa Board’s (COCOBOD) decision to finance the cocoa purchase from its internal operations.
According to him, borrowing from the external market often placed Ghana at a disadvantage since prices of cocoa locally produced are dictated by external creditors.
Hence switch from borrowing to raising revenue was long-awaited and a step in the right direction.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, he said “This has been an issue each and every day. Go out there just to borrow. We have been borrowing for so long and I think this is the right time for Ghana to be independent or COCOBOD to be independent.
“It is something that we have been saying for so long. We started saying this thing four years ago that how can we be borrowing money each and every day to purchase cocoa? When it happens like that, they will be having upper hand on our products,” he said.
Mr Boateng’s comments come on the back of Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Joseph Boahen announcing that for the first time in three decades, it would not raise money through offshore syndicated loan to finance the purchase of cocoa beans for the 2024/2025 crop season.
He said there is an elaborate plan to wean COCOBOD off loans with high interest rates from offshore lenders.
Mr Boahen explained it was not financially prudent for COCOBOD to continue relying on loans from international banks, when it has the capacity to directly raise money from the country at a relatively cheaper rate to buy the beans.
When asked by host Evans Mensah on August 21, if farmer think it was feasible for COCOBOD to raise funds internally, the farmer General argued that there was enough resources in the country to execute this project.
He added that priorities must be re-evaluated to ensure that Ghana buys the beans needed for the crop season.
“There is money in the country, now that we are doing gold for oil and other things, there is a lot of money in the country that we can raise it to purchase the cocoa.
“There is money. If we have been able to raise money to build the cathedral, how can’t we raise money to purchase the cocoa? I believe that we can do that. Let us give them the benefit of the doubt just to see the way forward and see how best they can do this thing,” he added.
Farmer Anthony Morrison, the CEO of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana.
The CEO of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana, Anthony Morrison, has expressed concerns over the effectiveness of the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Morrison noted that a review of the New Patriotic Party’s 2024 Manifesto left him worried about the alignment of government policies with the National Development Planning Commission’s (NDPC) goals.
“I was looking at this from the production, logistical, processing, agro-industrialization, marketing, and sustainable financing gaps,” Morrison explained.
“Sixteen chapters mention agriculture in one form or another, whether it’s green financing, green jobs, or the cost of living. But what we are asking is, what is the government’s commitment towards direct funding for agriculture?”
Morrison highlighted that despite an investment of ¢2.7 billion in the first four years of PFJ, Ghana’s food importation bill increased by $4 billion, and post-harvest losses rose by ¢2.6 billion.
“The World Food Programme (WFP) even clearly stated that we are possibly in the region of having food insecurity,” he added.
He questioned the manifesto’s relevance, saying, “The current situation— is it incorporated in that manifesto?”
Morrison was also critical of the NPP’s plan to expand the PFJ program, including its Rearing for Food and Jobs initiative.
“You expand on something that is effective. You expand on something that is working,” he stated.
Based on his observations and interactions from the Oti to the Northern Region, Morrison claimed that “ministers, MPs, and chairpersons of the NPP are the ones distributing fertilizers and seeds. How do you expect farmers, who now have to buy these inputs, to go and produce? The agriculture sector needs a complete overhaul.”
Morrison called for a shift in focus away from over-reliance on cocoa as a cash crop.
“Over the past six years, we keep dwelling on cocoa. How much does cocoa give this country? The global value of cassava is $179 billion, corn is $30 billion, while cocoa is only $47 billion.”
He emphasized the need to align agricultural policies with national interests, pointing out that, “Thailand, which doesn’t even consume much cassava, makes more than $2 billion annually from it. We make only $1.5 billion from cocoa.”
Morrison also highlighted the importance of focusing on the rice and poultry industries.
“We consume about 3.2 million metric tons of maize annually, and our deficit is about 900,000 metric tons. Why don’t we invest more into maize so we can be food-sufficient?
“Our poultry importation bill for frozen chicken is about $1.2 billion. The poultry sector is the biggest value chain in the agriculture sector. Neglecting rice, maize, and poultry will have long-term effects,” he warned.
Adopting hemp for regenerative agriculture in Africa requires a mindset shift and system thinking approach.
“Africa is facing a pressing climate crisis, with rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events.
The agricultural sector, which employs over 60% of the continent’s population, is particularly vulnerable to these impacts (FAO, 2020) “Hemp Cultivation in Africa”.
Meanwhile, the continent’s soil degradation, deforestation, and water scarcity threaten food security and sustainable development (UNEP, 2019).
In this context, hemp (Cannabis sativa) emerges as a promising crop for climate change mitigation and regenerative agriculture in Africa.
With its exceptional carbon sequestration capacity (up to 22 tonnes/ha/year), hemp can contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Geschwendt et al., 2019).
Additionally, hemp’s drought tolerance, soil remediation properties, and high yield make it an attractive crop for African smallholder farmers.
However, despite its potential, hemp remains underutilized in Africa due to historical and cultural misconceptions, lack of awareness, and inadequate policy frameworks.
This article argues that a mindset shift and system thinking approach are necessary to unlock hemp’s potential for climate change mitigation and regenerative agriculture in Africa.
THE POTENTIAL OF HEMP FOR CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION
Hemp is a versatile crop with exceptional carbon sequestration capacity, making it a valuable tool for climate change mitigation. Some key statistics highlighting hemp’s potential includes; carbon sequestration, soil carbon storage, water efficiency, methane reduction, bio diversity and renewable energy.
Carbon Sequestration, Hemp absorbs up to 22 tonnes of CO2 per hectare per year, surpassing many other crops (Geschwendt et al., 2019).
Soil Carbon Storage, Hemp’s deep roots and organic matter can increase soil carbon storage by up to 30% (Lal, 2018).
Water Efficiency: Hemp requires significantly less water than many other crops, using only 300-500 liters per kilogram of biomass produced (Leson, 2017).
Methane Reduction: Hemp can reduce methane emissions from soil by up to 50% due to its ability to absorb and break down methane (Pittelkow et al., 2013).
Biodiversity: Hemp promotes biodiversity by providing habitat for beneficial insects, improving soil health, and reducing the need for synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Renewable Energy, Hemp can be converted into biofuels, biogas, and bio-oil, offering a renewable energy source with lower carbon emissions than fossil fuels.
Integrating hemp into African agricultural systems, we can, mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Enhance soil health and fertility, promote water efficiency and conservation, support biodiversity and ecosystems services and develop sustainable and renewable energy sources
REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE AND HEMP IN AFRICA
Regenerative agriculture is a holistic approach to farming that prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.
Hemp is a prime crop for regenerative agriculture in Africa, with its deep root system, Hemp’s roots extend up to 3 meters deep, improving soil structure and increasing water infiltration (Geschwendt et al., 2019).
Soil Carbon Sequestration, Hemp can sequester up to 30% more soil carbon than other crops (Lal, 2018).in terms of Nitrogen Fixation, Hemp’s nitrogen-fixing abilities reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, promoting soil health and reducing pollution (Leson, 2017).
Pest and Disease Suppression; Hemp’s natural pest and disease resistance reduces the need for pesticides, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem services (Pittelkow et al., 2013). Water Retention, Hemp’s extensive root system and organic matter improve soil water retention, reducing drought risk and irrigation needs (Leson, 2017).
In Africa, regenerative agriculture with hemp can; Improve crop yields by up to 25% (UNEP, 2019), Increase farmer incomes by up to 30% (FAO, 2020) “Hemp Cultivation in Africa”, Support up to 50% of Africa’s biodiversity (IPBES, 2018), Sequester up to 100 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent per year (Geschwendt et al., 2019).
Adopting regenerative agriculture practices with hemp, African farmers can enhance soil health, promote biodiversity, and contribute to climate change mitigation while improving their livelihoods.”
MINDSET CHANGE: OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO HEMP ADOPTION
Despite hemp’s potential, several barriers hinder its adoption in Africa: these are historical stigma, lack of awareness, regulatory frameworks, cultural and social barriers and economic and market barriers.
70% of African farmers associate hemp with cannabis, leading to misconceptions and stigma (Survey, 2020) “African Farmers’ Perceptions of Hemp”.
Only 20% of African farmers are aware of hemp’s benefits and uses (Survey, 2020) “African Farmers’ Perceptions of Hemp”.
60% of African countries have inadequate or restrictive policies and laws governing hemp cultivation (FAO, 2019) “Hemp Cultivation in Africa”.
50% of African communities resist adopting new crops due to cultural and social concerns (UNEP, 2019).
80% of African farmers lack access to markets and economic incentives for hemp cultivation (FAO, 2020) “Hemp Cultivation in Africa”.
To overcome these barriers, a mindset shift is necessary in relation to education and awareness, policy reforms, cultural sensitization, economic incentives and collaborations and partnerships.
Educating farmers and policymakers can increase adoption rates by up to 40% (Survey, 2020) “African Farmers’ Perceptions of Hemp”. Implementing supportive policies can increase hemp cultivation by up to 50% (FAO, 2019) “Hemp Cultivation in Africa”.
Engaging with local communities can reduce resistance to adoption by up to 30% (UNEP, 2019). Providing economic incentives can increase farmer participation by up to 60% (FAO, 2020) “Hemp Cultivation in Africa”. Fostering partnerships can increase knowledge sharing and resource mobilization by up to 70% (Survey, 2020) “African Farmers’ Perceptions of Hemp”.
Addressing these barriers and promoting a mindset shift, we can unlock hemp’s potential in Africa and promote sustainable development.
SYSTEM THINKING: INTEGRATING HEMP INTO AFRICAN AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
Integrating hemp into African agricultural systems requires a system thinking approach, considering the complex interactions and interdependencies within the system. This involves understanding the Context by analyzing the social, economic, and environmental context of African agriculture.
Identifying Leverage Points by determining where hemp can have the most significant impact in the system. Integrating hemp into agricultural systems by building Partnerships, and collaborating with farmers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to promote hemp adoption.
We can facilitate system thinking by developing Supportive Infrastructure through establishing processing facilities, markets, and extension services for hemp.
Fostering Innovation; Encouraging research and development of new hemp-based products and technologies. Monitoring and Evaluation, Continuously assessing the impacts of hemp integration on the agricultural system. By applying system thinking, we can Increase hemp adoption rates by up to 50% (Survey, 2020), improve crop yields by up to 25% (FAO, 2019) “Hemp Cultivation in Africa”, Enhance soil health and fertility by up to 30% (Lal, 2018), Support up to 50% of Africa’s biodiversity (IPBES, 2018), Sequester up to 100 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent per year (Geschwendt et al., 2019)
System thinking allows us to unlock hemp’s full potential in Africa, promoting sustainable agricultural development and mitigating climate change.”
SCALING UP: STRATEGIES FOR WIDESPREAD ADOPTION
“To achieve widespread adoption of hemp in African agriculture, the following scaling up strategies can be employed; Develop and Disseminate Improved Hemp Varieties by Collaborating with research institutions to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant hemp varieties suitable for African conditions. Establish Demonstration Farms and Training Programs where farmers can showcase hemp’s benefits and provide hands-on training for farmers, extension agents, and agricultural students.
Develop and Promote Hemp-Based Products by encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in hemp-based products, such as textiles, food, and cosmetics.
Strengthen Policy and Regulatory Frameworks through advocacy for supportive policies and regulations that facilitate hemp cultivation, processing, and trade.
Africans and their leaders can foster Public-Private Partnerships; Collaborate with governments, NGOs, and private sector entities to mobilize resources, expertise, and markets for hemp.
Enhance Market Access and Trade by establishing and expanding markets for hemp products, both domestically and internationally. Monitoring and Evaluating Progress by continuously assessing the impacts of hemp adoption on African agriculture and making adjustments as needed.
Implementing these strategies, we can, Increase hemp cultivation area by up to 500,000 hectares by 2025 (FAO, 2020).
“Hemp Cultivation in Africa”, reach up to 1 million smallholder farmers with hemp-based livelihoods by 2030 (Survey, 2020).
“African Farmers’ Perceptions of Hemp”, Generate up to $1 billion in annual revenues from hemp-based products by 2035 (Market Report, 2020).
Scaling up hemp adoption in Africa requires a coordinated effort from all stakeholders to achieve sustainable agricultural development and economic growth.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, hemp offers a transformative opportunity for African agriculture, with its potential to mitigate climate change, enhance soil health, and promote sustainable livelihoods. However, realizing this potential requires a mindset shift, system thinking, and scaling up strategies.
By adopting hemp, African farmers can improve crop yields, increase incomes, and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. Policymakers, industry stakeholders, and civil society must collaborate to create an enabling environment for hemp adoption, including supportive policies, infrastructure development, and market access.
The time for hemp in Africa is now. Let us seize this opportunity to revolutionize agriculture, promote sustainable development, and ensure a prosperous future for generations to come.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established on October 16, 1945. Its primary mission is to combat hunger and improve nutrition and food security globally. Headquartered in Rome, Italy, the FAO operates with a vision of achieving food security for all people, ensuring that they have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
Open job vacancies at FAO
To explore genuine career opportunities at FAO:
Visit the FAO Careers Portal : Start by accessing the official FAO careers website. This is where all current job openings are listed, and it allows you to search for vacancies based on various criteria such as category, department, and location. Once on the portal, take time to browse through the available job listings. You can filter your search according to your preferences, which may include specific roles or geographical locations.
UN Job Platforms: You can also find FAO job listings on various UN job platforms, such as UNjobs and UNjobnet. These sites aggregate job postings from multiple UN agencies, including FAO, providing a broader view of available positions.
Online Recruitment System: FAO uses an official online recruitment system for all job applications. Ensure that you apply through this system to avoid any issues with your application. Be cautious of any communications that do not originate from the @fao.org domain, as these may not be legitimate
Job Alerts: Consider subscribing to job alerts on the FAO website. This feature will notify you when new job openings that match your profile become available, helping you stay updated on opportunities .
How to apply for jobs at FAO
Applying for a job at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) involves several key steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the application process effectively:
1. Browse Job Openings : Start by visiting the FAO careers portal. This site allows you to search for current vacancies based on various criteria such as category, department, location, and more.
2. Create Your Candidate Profile : If you are a first-time applicant, you need to create a candidate profile on the careers portal. This profile will store your information and enable you to apply directly for positions.
3. Apply for Relevant Positions : Once you find a suitable vacancy, read the job description and requirements thoroughly. Ensure that your skills and experience align with what they are seeking. Use the online portal to submit your application,
4. Complete Your Application : FAO emphasizes that applications must be complete; double-check all materials before submitting. Remember that applications are only accepted through their careers portal; submissions made elsewhere will not be considered.
5. Follow Up on Your Application : After submitting your application, it’s advisable to stay informed about new vacancies by signing up for job alerts or regularly checking the careers portal. If shortlisted, you may be contacted for an interview as part of the selection process.
