Food systems are increasingly impacted by climate variability and change. At the same time, Agriculture through unsustainable practices contributes a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, loss of agricultural biodiversity, environmental pollution, land degradation, and water scarcity resources.
KIC and Mastercard Foundation have announced winners of the 2023 AgriTech Challenge Classic Finals at a pitch event which took place from the 18th to 19th December, 2023 in Accra. A total of 50 teams from across 10 regions of the country participated in this year’s pitch competition.
Present at the event were Mr. Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, Executive Director, Kosmos Innovation Center; Mr. Joe Mensah, KIC Board Chair; Mr. Gottfried Odamtten-Sowah, Program Lead- Agribusiness at Mastercard Foundation; members of the Ideation Team; Faculty Advisors from participating universities, as well as other stakeholder organisations.
After five months of training under the AgriTech Challenge Classic, 20 teams have been selected to progress on to the AgriTech Challenge Pro. Under KIC’s partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which started in 2022, KIC has been able to scale up the AgriTech Challenge program bringing on board 10 partnering universities this year, from a total of 5 universities last year.
The 10 participating universities include University of Ghana (UG), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University of Cape Coast (UCC), Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU), Takoradi Technical University (TTU), Ho Technical University (HTU), Koforidua Technical University (KTU), University of Development Studies (UDS), SD Dombo University of Business & Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS), and University of Energy and Natural Resource (UENR).
The program involves training and capacity building workshops, market research tours to meet with industry actors, entrepreneurship coaching and mentoring from the Faculty Advisors and Technical teams. The AgriTech teams receive constructive feedback from a panel of experts, that are referred to as Ideation Team members, who help to shape their ideas. Teams that progress onto the AgriTech Challenge Pro will be given USD2,000 to grow their Market Viable Product (MVP).
Speaking about the impact of the program, Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, Executive Director of KIC explained that KIC is committed to providing transformational change journey for young people, to create job opportunities for them within the agricultural sector through entrepreneurship. “The future of Africa’s prosperity is in Tech and in Agribusiness. This will create economic empowerment for young people, and at KIC we are collaborating with partners to provide this personalized training program for young people. Our program portfolio not only addresses mindset change about agriculture, but provides practical training, tools, network and resources for entrepreneurial development”, he added.
In his remarks. Gottfried Odamtten-Sowah, Program Lead- Agribusiness for Mastercard Foundation, highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to empowering young people to access dignified and fulfilling jobs.
“Through our partnership with KIC, the AgriTech Challenge Classic program, is providing employment opportunities for young people within the agribusiness sector’, he added.
The 20 winning teams from the AgriTech Challenge Classic to make it to the Pro include: Agricems (UDS), Agriquinns (TTU), Bunnybites (KNUST), Cas-Tech Glue (TTU), DeliMush (UDS), Ecofibre Solutions (UG), FEEP Fibertech (UENR), Greenhusk Innovation (UDS), Greenwood (UG), Harvest Ease Innovators (UENR), Healthy Farmer (UDS), Hullsnovation (UDS), Husk Pack Ghana (HTU), NAYAD Foods (HTU), PaCo Paper (KTU), Rabbitton (UCC), Sunify Solardry Technology (UDS), SunRay (UBIDS), Tekcycle (KNUST), and Zoyapel (BTU).
These 20 teams will join the 20 start-ups accepted into the 2024 AgriTech Pro team through applications received. These include: 3Farmate Robotics; Aretha Forson; Bolstaar; Earl K Foods; Ebapreneur Solutions: Farmercy Technologies; FarmWallet; FeatheryCare; FemFarmLife; Fertiltech; FreshLine PHS; GreenHeart Se; GreenMatics; Grenopak; GuineaGenesis; HyfeBee; McHan Organic; MeSADA PCL; OrgaFert and Rijona BBC.
KIC is committed to creating opportunities for young people to thrive and make social and economic impact.
Ghana’s cocoa marketing board has signed an $800 million syndicated loan with banks and expects to draw down the first $600 million as soon as this week, its deputy chief executive officer said on Tuesday.
Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer behind neighbouring Ivory Coast, uses an annual syndicated loan to finance bean purchases from farmers.
Usually agreed at the start of the season in September, this year’s loan has faced delays as the West African country grapples with its worst economic crisis in a generation and tries to restructure its bilateral and commercial debts.
“I joined COCOBOD in 2018 and this is the hardest transaction we have had,” COCOBOD Deputy CEO Ray Ankrah told Reuters.
“It’s been signed and we are working on the drawdown. We’re drawing down $600 million by the end of this week and we expect to draw down the $200 (million) in the middle to the end of January,” he said, adding that the terms of the loan had not changed from those presented to parliament last month.
In November, Ghana’s parliament gave a green light to the transaction, allowing the COCOBOD board to finalise paperwork with participating banks.
Under the terms presented to lawmakers, COCOBOD will pay interest of nearly 8%, which includes the one-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) currently around 5.3% and a margin of 2.65%.
A central bank official who asked not to be named told Reuters that a drawdown this week should boost the country’s reserves.
Professor Agyapomaa Gyeke-Dako, an economist at the University of Ghana, said the loan could support the local cedi currency by cooling dollar demand spurred by slow progress in restructuring the country’s bilateral debt.
Ghana and Ivory Coast are expecting their smallest cocoa crops in years due mainly to poor weather.
COCOBOD has officially forecast production of about 800,000 tons for the 2023/24 season, but industry sources have told Reuters they estimate Ghana’s harvest will be closer to 600,000 tons.
The $800 million loan is among the lowest in a decade.
Ankrah previously told Reuters that COCOBOD planned to capitalise on record-high global cocoa prices by selling part of the country’s crop on the spot market.
Guzakuza, the pioneering organisation committed to providing women in agribusiness across Africa and the diaspora with tools and resources, proudly announces the successful graduation of 105 accomplished women from the 7th cohort of its flagship program, Ignite 2023.
Ignite, also known as the African Women in Agribusiness Fellowship, is a transformative and intensive program designed to propel female founders and leaders to the next phase of their agribusiness journeys. Over the past seven years, this initiative has proven to be a catalyst for positive change in the agribusiness landscape, offering expert-led modules, virtual workshops, coaching, networking, and engaging online activities and in-person activities.
The Ignite 2023 application process witnessed an overwhelming response, with 1,283 applications pouring in from 49 countries across Africa and the Diaspora. This remarkable interest underscores the critical need for platforms like Ignite, dedicated to nurturing and uplifting women in agribusiness.
Out of the multitude of applicants, 128 exceptional women were selected for the program. The fellows embarked on a transformative journey comprising four distinct online training phases and a ten-day in-person session in Accra, Ghana. The phases – Ignite Within, Ignite a Sis, Reach to Ignite, and Ignited to Ignite – culminated in the post-program extended phase, “Ready to Ignite,” each lasting a minimum of four weeks.
Structured into Field Groups, Business Stage Groups, Country Groups, and Tribes, the Ignite 2023 Training fostered collaborative learning, enabling fellows to explore diverse agribusiness models and techniques essential for building resilient ventures in Africa and beyond.
The 7th cohort proudly announces the graduation of 105 accomplished women from 15 countries out of the 128 who commenced the program, representing 21 African countries. Guzakuza, reflecting on seven years of inspiring women agripreneurs, reiterates its commitment to driving positive change in the agribusiness landscape.
This year’s cohort received significant support from GIZ Ghana, along with contributions from the Roddenberry Foundation, GIZ Malawi, LevelUp USA, London Academy of Professional Training, and Enterprise Risk Management Institute.
Are you a woman in Agribusiness? Stay tuned for the 8th application call soon on www.igniteafrika.org
Ignite 2023 Program Highlights
For media inquiries, please contact:
Guzakuza Communications
hello@igniteafrika.org / akwaaba@guzakuza.org
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The Board Chairman of Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC), Mr. Joe Mensah has indicated that agriculture is not just a mere industry but a vital sector that connects all, and it is the very fabric that societies use to provide sustenance, livelihoods, and a foundation for growth.
He made this assertion at the AgriTech challenge classic final pitch competition, held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra.
Mr. Joe Mensah mentioned that KIC has the vision to see young people thrive and build entrepreneurial skills to create lasting change in society as they mark the month of preparation, dedication, innovation, and hard work from the young people who have participated in the AgriTech challenge classic competition.
According to the Board Chairman, there has been a convergence of talent, creativity, and a shared vision for a sustainable future in the heart of the AgriTech challenge classic.
He told the participants not only to evaluate the technical aspects and commercial viability of the projects but also to appreciate the potential they hold to make a lasting impact on the agricultural landscape.
“Innovation in agriculture is a necessity”. He indicated that the growing global population, the change in climate patterns, and evolving consumer demand can be addressed by collective commitment and innovation within the agricultural sector.
He highlighted that the commitment to driving innovation in agriculture is not only commendable but also vital for the future of the communities in the world.
He urges the participants not to end what they are doing regardless of the outcome because they are the torchbearers of change. “The seeds you plant today have the power to shape a more sustainable and resilient tomorrow”. Mr. Mensah added.
The deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of operations and finance for the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Samuel Dentu has assured the promotion of made in Ghana products and services of Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs). He emphasized GEPA’s commitment to driving continuous development of Made in Ghana products and services, as well as enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Finance (GEPA) made this revelation when he was addressing the opening ceremony of the three-day Trade Show at the premises of National Theatre Accra, on Thursday, December 14, 2023.
Mr. Samuel Dentu highlighted that GEPA has established a Ghana trade house in Kenya that will help to promote Ghanaian products and facilities in active operation. He encouraged SMEs who had not heard of the Ghana Trade House in Kenya to contact GEPA for the necessary support.
He mentioned that GEPA has organized several capacity-building programs this year through the Ghana export school and will still intensify the training next year for the benefit of more SMEs.
“Indeed, we have also organized our flagship program called Women Icon Regional Exhibition (WIRE)”. WIRE event was organized in all regions in Ghana to showcase products of women-led companies as a way of encouraging more women to go into production and services with the ultimate objective of becoming successful.
He commended the European Union for funding GEPA and successfully implementing the three-year WACOMP project that ended in August this year. He took the opportunity to welcome all guests, exhibitors, and patriots to the three-day trade show.
Globally, food systems are unsustainable: 80% of the production of food is powered by fossil fuels. The food system is responsible for over one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. It is the primary driver of biodiversity loss.
The COP28 climate change conference has issued a declaration on sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems. An expert on food systems, Florian Kroll, sets out why the COP28 commitments are inadequate.What was your assessment of what’s needed?
The African Food Systems Transformation Collective launched a declaration on the commitments that government leaders at COP28 needed to make to transform African food systems. The collective is a network of over 200 leading African academics and civil society representatives.
The collective wants world leaders to protect traditional food and seed systems. It has urged global leaders to respect custodianship of nature and shared food as expressions of sacred African values of interdependence and care.
Research and learning must be informed by the wisdom of nature and indigenous knowledge. Locally led technological innovations can level the playing field and improve resource efficiency. These include enhanced traditional storage and processing and renewable energies.
Yet food systems transformations must also go beyond techno-fixes. They must make sure that everyone has fair access to good food.Supporting people’s agency – their ability to govern food systems – is central to transformation. Women, youth, children, elders and small food enterprises must be able to participate in planning and decision-making. Governance must prevent land-grabbing and promote land reform to right current and historical injustices. Water resources must be managed democratically, to protect and regenerate catchments, coastlines and oceans. Everyone should enjoy equitable access to safe water.
The collective believes food systems must be nourishing, biodiverse, carbon-negative, resilient and fair. States and philanthropies should spur locally led adaptation.
The call was for COP28 leaders to commit to separating food systems from the fossil fuels, antibiotics, preservatives, pesticides, herbicides and artificial fertilisers they are currently centred on. Governments should instead promote local food production with short value chains and strengthen fair trade between African countries.
This would mean a big change in regulations, and investment in new infrastructure and technology. Small and informal food enterprises should also be supported with climate-resilient infrastructure.
There is no commitment to de-carbonise food systems, divest from fossil fuel industries or transition to renewable energies. Measures to curb monopolies are not mentioned. COP28 talks about “more sustainable” food systems. Protecting biodiversity and reducing greenhouse emissions looks good at first glance. But unless the entire system of food production is changed, it will make little difference. Most African greenhouse gas emissions linked to food provision are caused by deforestation and on-farm emissions. Even if food is produced using more sustainable approaches, expanding conventional agriculture will accelerate environmental destruction and greenhouse gas emissions.
There’s also a problem for African countries in the recommendations on more sustainable production and consumption. This includes, for example, moving from food production that requires high green gas emissions. But, for African countries, the most pressing issue is in fact nutritional deficiencies.
The COP28 declaration avoids tackling the structural problems underpinning the food systems crisis. These include powerful fossil fuel, fertiliser and seed industry lobbies, ordinary people’s lack of access to land and resources, widespread inequality, and poverty and unemployment.
The COP28 declaration does not acknowledge the benefits the global north has derived from development that was driven by fossil fuels. Nor does it recognise that the global south will bear the brunt of climate change harm. It side-steps climate justice demands for reparations.
The COP28 statement is committed to public-private partnerships and the global World Trade Organisation regime. This is especially problematic. The World Trade Organisation is at the heart of the current neoliberal food regime. It pushes developing countries to extract finite mineral resources and grow export crops for global trade. Cheap imports undermine local industry and livelihoods.
Public-private partnerships allow corporations to influence government policy to their benefit, at the expense of local industries, the poor and the unemployed. Commitment to “support vulnerable people” while protecting public-private partnerships and World Trade Organisation influence entrenches the global food regime.
Given the risk, scale and pace of climate change, ecosystem degradation and nutritional transition, the COP28 declaration dismally fails Africa. Climate change will affect Africa more than other continents, with large increases in the average annual temperature and the number of high-temperature days.
Reduced rainfall, shifting rainfall patterns, flooding and extended droughts will happen more and more. All food systems activities rely on water. Yet, by 2030, it is unlikely that four out of five African countries will have sustainably managed water resources.
This will have a severe impact on African ways of providing food. Africa already experiences serious food insecurity and malnutrition. Urban populations in Africa will triple between 2015 and 2050, reaching approximately 1.34 billion people who will be vulnerable to food supply disruption. Cities generate a demand for unhealthy food that is produced in environmentally destructive ways. Yet they could also drive transitions to sustainable and fair food systems.
African food systems urgently require decisive action to enable transformation. Inaction represents a massive risk to ecosystem health and to people’s wellbeing in Africa. The COP28 declaration represents a cynical attempt to disguise the patriarchal climate regime’s last-ditch defence of the current catastrophic food systems trajectory.
The 2021 “Best Fish Farmer” has still not received his two-bedroom house reward from the Ministry, the Minority Spokesperson of the Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku revealed.
According to him, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture is now requesting funds to put up the building two years after the award ceremonies.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, he said, “ Unfortunately, during the celebration, the Best Fish Farmer is not given the award. In 2021, the Best Fish Farmer was to be given a two-bedroom house. The ceremony was attended by His Excellency, the President, and all the state apparatus.
“Mr Speaker, it was all over the country, that the Best Fish Farmer was going to be given a two-bedroom house. As we speak, the house has not been completed and the Ministry is now asking for GH₵500,000 to be able to complete the building and then hand it over to the best fish farmer.”
Mr Opoku stressed that this was wrong and should not be happening because it shows the country is not committed to rewarding the efforts of her hard-working citizens.
“Mr Speaker, this is something that must not be told anywhere. We don’t have to allow this to happen. Somebody had worked very hard to put food on our tables and as a nation, we want to recognise his contribution and we are saying that we are giving you this house; an award. We are now doing the 2024 budget and we are now looking for ₵500,000 to complete the facility and hand it over to the person.
Meanwhile, the Fisheries Minister, Hawa Koomson, said the delay in putting up the building was because the Ministry had to conduct investigations into the award winner since there were some allegations about the farmer.
“There was an issue with that award winner so we took almost eight months to one year to do investigations to make sure that the fisher had no problem before we allowed the construction to go on,” she said.
She stressed that the ministry requesting only GH₵500,000 implied that the major parts of the building had been completed but it was left with some finishing touches.
Cocoa Abrabopa Association, A farmer-based organization, has called on government and COCOBOD to strengthen its Productivity Enhancement Programs and make available timely release and distribution of subsidized inputs to farmers.
This was said during the 12th Annual General Meeting in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital.
The 12th Annual General Meeting brought together over four thousand, cocoa farmers from the five cocoa growing regions in Ghana.
Presentation
Updating shareholders on the association’s performance for the year 2022 at the AGM, the Council Chairman of the Association, Ismail Pomasi indicated the Association’s colorful Annual General Meeting continues to remain the biggest farmers’ gathering in Ghana and provides the platform for the council to account for its stewardship for the period under review.
He seized the opportunity to make a passionate appeal to COCOBOD and the government to strengthen its Productivity Enhancement Programs and initiate a more concerted effort to combat galamsey activities in cocoa growing regions in Ghana.
Mr. Pomasi, also wants the frequent delay in the release of the Seed Fund from the Ghana Cocoa Board to Licensed Buying Companies to be re-looked at because the challenge is collapsing the operations of indigenous LBC’s and reduces supplies of certified cocoa volumes demanded by CAA’s customers.
He disclosed that, the 2023/2024 cocoa season commenced three months now ago, however the local LBC’s are yet to receive Seed Funds from COCOBOD to enable them buy the Ghanaian cocoa farmers’ beans; this is a worry to the Association.
“Cocoa Abrabopa is committed to improving the lives of cocoa farmers through appropriate and sustainable socioeconomic interventions.
“In our quest to improve on premium payments to beneficiary members, we introduced a Digital Payment System (MoMo) in both 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons to serve members devoid of inconveniences and offered us the opportunity to make bulk payments to members within the shortest possible time in a more transparent manner.
“We have further introduced Living Income Sustainability Initiative for Economic development of members, their households, and communities remain the surest blueprint to cocoa sustainability. “It is for this reason that CAA has partnered with one of our finest customers Alfred Ritter GmbH, a chocolate manufacturer of the Ritter Sport brand of chocolate products to undertake varied degree of interventions ranging from easy transport system for moving cocoa beans from farm to the Society, farming equipment and inputs, access to potable drinking water and on farm additional livelihoods to improve the living conditions of members at RITTER SPORT designated areas. “It is gratifying to note that since the inception of the initiative in 2022, a total of 22 tricycles, 30 units of SOLO mist blowers, 4 Mechanized Boreholes with washroom facilities, Agrochemical Inputs Shop and a 2 Snail Farming start- up packages have been commissioned and handed over to beneficiary groups in Bogoso, Tarkwa Aboso, Bonsa and Amantin operational areas all in Western South Cocoa Region of Ghana.
“To our members in other regions, I do not want to give assurances, but discussions have been far advanced with the other customers to replicate this living income model in your various jurisdictions” he indicated.
Sustainability Manager, Wilfred Apiung, says their mission is to improve the livelihoods and incomes of cocoa farmers through gender equity and sustainable cocoa production.
He stated that, despite the challenges, the Association is committed to improving the livelihoods and incomes of cocoa farmers through gender equity and sustainable cocoa production across the six cocoa growing regions.
“We are committed to improving the income levels of farmers to bring them above the living income benchmark. We look at some cost components that can reduce their burden and support them,” he said.
In his remarks, the Operations Manager for CAA, Roland Obosu asked the farmers to let the increased in premium payment to motivate them to produce quality cocoa that would meet the standards, help increase local sourcing and contribute to the local economy.
“The increase in premium payment for you our farmers, is part of the Association’s commitment towards developing thriving and resilient communities within our 39 operational areas” he said.
Acting Executive Secretary for CAA, Patrick John Van Brakel mentioned that these initiatives are to ensure all the farmers conform to the newly introduced Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation System and the new Rainforest Alliance Standard. This, he said, is to position the Association ahead of any International Standards.
Appreciation
The leaders of the farmer groups recounted that the sustainable farm training and support from Cocoa Abrabopa has been beneficial to their cocoa production.
They were grateful to CAA for introducing and teaching them to alternative livelihoods as cocoa farmers as alternative source of income and being an advocate for their human rights and helping them mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis.
Present at the 12th Annual General Meeting of the Cocoa Abrabopa Association ceremony were officials from COCOBOD, The Ghana Civil Society Cocoa Platform (GCCP), Federated Commodities Limited (FEDCO), Adwumapa Buyers Limited (ABL), Representatives of Mars and various Cocoa Farmer Cooperatives.
The earlier article with the titled “Cassava – Ghana’s Next Gold Mine,” has generated thoughtful conversations, with sound feedbacks, responses and submissions, from industry players, among whom include Cassava farmers, Processors, Academia, Development agencies, investors, researchers, beginner agribusinesses, individuals who desire to explore opportunities within value added cassava, and many others.
With this development, we decided to look at another phase and angle of the news story, by engaging stakeholders, to determine, if they agree with our assertion, that CASSAVA – IS GHANA’S NEXT GOLD MINE! And with the necessary attention and focus for growth, cassava could indeed become Ghana’s next cocoa and gold mine.
Cassava, despite its potential to significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth, cassava often remains overshadowed by traditional agricultural giants like cocoa and gold.
The staple consumed in many Ghanaian households, silently awaits its emergence as an economic powerhouse. Unfortunately, we are all yet to fully wake up to understand and appreciate the economic windfall that this humble crop can bring.
Ghana is unintentionally missing substantial economic benefits and value addition that cassava could offer.
This versatile crop, capable of boosting revenue streams, lacks the serious consideration and prioritization given to other key and few commodities.
Edwin Siaw, a media practitioner in the Eastern shared that, beyond its economic potential, cassava offers a treasure trove of health benefits.
Recognized for its nutritional richness, cassava provides essential vitamins and minerals.
Additionally, it is known for its potential in preventing and treating certain health conditions, making it a valuable ally in the quest for improved well-being.
We also collectively agree, that cassava boasts a wide array of industrial applications, from pharmaceutical uses to the production of starch and biogas.
Cassava proves to be one of the most easiest to cultivate, a versatile crop with far-reaching benefits, playing a pivotal role in various industrial processes.
However, the growth of the cassava industry faces impediments that stifle its full potential.
The absence of enhanced efficiency machinery, equipment, technology and value addition initiatives and innovations, presents a significant hurdle, preventing the industry from flourishing.
There exists a noticeable gap between acknowledging cassava’s potential and taking concrete steps to unlock its benefits.
Then, we ask? –
Is the slow paced-growth of the cassava industry, has anything to do with Knowledge Gap, lack of information on the prospects or our own attitude to research further and apply an intensive hands-on approach, on how we can exploit the full potential?
Have we thought about what the positives and the impact will be, for our nation, if the youth, women, beginner agribusinesses, investors, etc, are able to grip it?
We commend the women, young ones and many number of individuals, and private companies, who are doing so much within the value added cassava space.
Our Governments have equally taken commendable steps to advance cassava production, exemplified by the establishment of notable, but not-so-functional cassava factories like Ayensu Starch Factory in Awutu Bawjiase, in the Central Region.
There is also CH Global Limited, a cassava and yam processing factory operating under the government’s 1-District-1-Factory initiative, located at Addo Nkwanta in the Krachi East District of the Oti Region and Global Almas Processing Ltd, situated in Bimbilla, Northern Region among others .
Despite these significant developments, it is imperative to acknowledge that there remains substantial work ahead in fully realizing the potential of cassava production in the country.
In a bid to advocate and champion cassava’s cause and draw attention to its untapped potential, Agrihouse Foundation has embarked on initiatives to bring cassava to the forefront of the agricultural agenda. Holding the franchise for the International Cassava Fair in Brazil, Agrihouse orchestrated a delegation visit to Brazil, exposing delegates to global advancements in cassava cultivation, varieties, value chain addition, machinery, and equipment, among other applications.
In our conversation with key figures in the cassava industry, Mr. Daniel Okyere, a farmer and owner of East Midland Farms in Begoro, echoed sentiments, emphasizing that cassava is a crop with immense economic potential, yet Ghana is not fully capitalizing on it. He pointed out the hurdles faced by farmers who rely on manual tools like cutlasses, highlighting challenges in acquiring more land due to the current land tenure system in Ghana. Mr. Okyere lamented the reluctance of banks to provide loans, stating that the government’s support has primarily come through extension officers.
Expressing the need for significant policy changes, Mr. Okyere urged the government to implement measures supporting cassava farmers, including policies for acquiring machinery and facilitating access to loans for production. He proposed that the government should follow a model similar to the support given to cocoa farmers, suggesting the purchase of locally processed cassava products, such as gari, for schools.
Madam Abigail Ghama, a farmer celebrated for winning the Best Extension Volunteer award in 2013 at the Farmer’s Day in New Juaben North and later receiving the She Innovates Award from Agrihouse Foundation in the Eastern Region in July 2023 at Agrihouse Foundation’s Gold in the Soil Awards, highlighted the challenges faced by cassava farmers. She emphasized the difficulty of using traditional tools like cutlasses and hoes due to the lack of modern machinery for planting.
Madam Abigail Ghama urged the government to consider establishing a funding source specifically for acquiring machinery in cassava production. According to her, this would greatly enhance efficiency and productivity in cassava farming.
Adding her voice, ivy Edith Opare Yeboah, the Managing Director of Lexzee Agro processing Limited situated in the Fanteakwa South District, specializes in gari processing. Highlighting the significance of cassava, she notes that it constitutes approximately 80 percent of the food consumed in Ghana. Despite its vital role, Ms. Opare Yeboah encounters challenges in accessing raw materials and strongly urges the government to establish robust market linkages with the cassava sector.
In her perspective, the cassava sector holds immense untapped potential, yet both the government and Ghanaians are not fully capitalizing on its benefits. Ms. Opare Yeboah emphasizes that, with proper support and strategic initiatives, the cassava sector can significantly contribute to the country’s food security and economic development. Unfortunately, she points out that the sector currently lacks the much-needed support from the government.
Ms. Opare Yeboah suggests that allocating a dedicated sector to cassava would not only streamline access to raw materials but also provide a platform for comprehensive support and investment.
CALL TO ACTION:
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, is resolutely dedicated to learn more, explore further and use that, to contribute to instigating change.
Driven by a vision infused with passion and an unwavering belief in the transformative capabilities of cassava, she underscores the vital necessity for collaborative endeavors.
Ms. Akosa urges the government, private sector, and agricultural stakeholders to unite in implementing sustainable policies and initiatives. Her vision extends towards a future where cassava not only thrives as a pivotal economic contributor in Ghana but also uplifts the nation’s agricultural panorama to unprecedented levels of prosperity.
“I aspire to witness a future where cassava not only emerges as a crucial economic force in Ghana but also stands as a beacon of prosperity for farmers; our women, youth, etc
I also aspire to witness a time, where we have all the needed innovations, technology, appropriate and affordable machinery, equipment, input that would build speed and efficiency.
I also desire to witness a period, where the knowledge gap, will be bridged and our young women farmers, mothers, youth, beginners, family farmers, can appreciate, understand, and learn more about how they can grow their cassava enterprises, through value addition.
My utmost desire is for the industry to get to a stage, where all equipment, input, logistics, etc, will not only be for the privy of a “select connected group”, but will be accessible and affordable for all.
That is the only time, when we can gladly beat our chest. A time when we are fulfilled of making impact for the ultimate growth of a happy and content nation.
Through strategic knowledge acquisition, research and investments in modern machinery, promotion of value addition initiatives, and mind-set shaping, can unlock the full potential of cassava.
We shall continue to persist in passionately advocating for the recognition and prioritization of cassava, envisioning it as a cornerstone in the country’s pursuit of agricultural excellence and economic prosperity.
With all the growing interest and conversations around cassava, after our earlier news story, I personally remain steadfast, to commit to further learnings of all the potentials other crops possess – ONE AT A TIME!, after we fully absorb Cassava.
This way, we can continue sharing through this medium, all of the many potentials and opportunities that we can tap into, to build a career path in Agribusiness, generate additional revenue, attract investor drive, stakeholder interest and Government’s attention
The cause and the purpose, is to advocate and champion growth of value chain actors, growth of the sector as a whole, that will transform lives, make us better people, and bring a high level of security and satisfaction, to us, as a people!
I remain yours in the development of Agriculture!
