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AGRA calls on stakeholders across the continent for maximum patronage of AGRF 2023 in Tanzania.

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The African Green Revolution Forum [AGRF] is one of the biggest platforms that brings together key stakeholders all over the continent both public, private, and even civil society. The essence of the AGRF Forum in Tanzania this year is to create opportunities for actors within the agriculture value chain to come and network, connect, look for opportunities, bring investors together, and as well building relevant business. Sam Amankwah, a communications team member of AGRA said.

According to Sam. Amankwa, the whole idea behind AGRF is to create a platform for stakeholders and investors to connect and create business opportunities that will be put into practicalities in the countries participating so they can get the needed boost and funding to trigger the transformation AGRAG GH wants to see in these African countries.

To revamp the sector Mr. Amankwa said over the past few years, agriculture has suffered lapses in the hands of COVID-19 coupled with the Russian-Ukraine war, for this reason, the investors would have the opportunity to be connected and sparked for business to thrive again from country to country across the African continent helping agriculture to be placed back on the map.

He mentioned that at the end of the event, AGRA expects to see deals being sealed, and investment booming into the Agricultural sector that is trickling down to the prioritised actors [smallholder farmers).

Commenting on the various projects to AgricToday media, Mr. Bashiru a member from the Marketing Department of AGRA indicated that AGRA seeks to sieve the responses coming in from beneficiaries of the projects that have been in existence for some time now, as to how well or bad those projects are performing. There should be an idea whether the projects receiving the needed attention or not so there could be a restructuring or even continue with the old style if accepted.

Mr. Bashiru mentioned that the consensuses investment around cassava, maize, soy, and rice is of interest to the nation and has very huge cassava production in the country.

“Currently, Ghana is producing over 8 million metric tons of Cassava and what we are told out of the 8 million metric tons based on statistics is that about 30% of them go waste which means that, there must be strategic investments around post-harvest management”, he added.

To tackle post-harvest losses, he said another area that AGRA is focusing on is to support processors. Some farmers are into the production of high-quality Cassava flour [HQCF] of which manufacturers of plywood, ethanol, Gari, Tapioca, and others benefit. The last Cassava project that ended last year, 2022 saw AGRA supporting about 110,000 smallholder farmers who are basically into cassava production.

AGRA is a proudly African-led institution focused on scaling agricultural innovations that help smallholder farmers towards increased incomes, better livelihoods, and improved food security. We understand that African farmers need uniquely African solutions to the environmental and agricultural challenges they face, enabling them to sustainably boost production and gain access to rapidly growing agricultural markets.

In short, AGRA’s mission is to transform the lives of smallholder farmers from that of a solitary struggle for survival to a business that thrives.

Since 2006, we have worked with our partners, governments, non-governmental organizations, private sector businesses, and more; to deliver a set of proven solutions to smallholder farmers and indigenous African agricultural enterprises. We put smallholder farmers first on the agenda, recognizing that no country has moved from low-income to middle-income without agricultural transformation.

The work of AGRA in Ghana is in line with the Government of Ghana’s Food and Agriculture Sector Development Policy (FASDEP II) and the 2nd Phase of the Medium-Term Agriculture Sector Investment Plan (METASIP II) in driving accelerated agriculture modernization and sustainable natural resource management.

AGRA is inviting the general public to the three (3) days AGRF Forum in Tanzania that is taking place tomorrow September 5, 2023, to September 8, 2023. An initiative that is classified as the world’s premier forum on African agriculture and food systems, bringing together stakeholders to take practical action and share lessons that will move the African food systems forward.

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Exporting Made-in-Africa products to 15 countries: CEO reveals her strategies.

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With its vast areas of arable land, favourable climate and affordable labour, Africa possesses significant potential to export packaged food products to developed countries. Additionally, global interest in unique African foods is on the rise. Tapping into this potential is Black Mamba, a chilli sauce producer based in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), founded in 2010. To date, it has exported to 15 countries, with the UK, Norway, and Germany being prominent markets. Jaco Maritz spoke to Claudia Castellanos, co-founder and CEO of Black Mamba, about the strategies she has employed to expand the company’s export markets.

The company’s first export order came from a distributor in Germany who had previously purchased handcrafted products from Eswatini. Before founding Black Mamba, Castellanos consulted for handcraft businesses in Eswatini and was acquainted with this distributor. During one visit, he encountered Black Mamba’s chilli sauce and believed it would be well-received on German shelves.

As a result, he ordered four cartons. This order marked Black Mamba’s introduction to the procedures and logistics of exporting and was a valuable learning experience for the company on how to navigate the export process.

Black Mamba’s presence in a store at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport paved the way for its introduction into Norway. In 2016, Claudia received an email from an individual in Norway who received a bottle of Black Mamba chilli sauce purchased from the OR Tambo store.

This person happened to be a distributor of African products in Norway. Impressed by the sauce, he expressed his interest in distributing it in Norway. Today, Norway is a key market for Black Mamba, with the sauce available in two of the country’s largest supermarkets and on major e-commerce platforms.

The company strategically targets countries where a sizable part of the population values organic ingredients and appreciates Black Mamba’s dedication to benefiting the local communities where the products are made. Furthermore, it focuses on markets where individuals have a good disposable income and a fondness for new and different foods.

Claudia emphasises that the products cater to consumers who “are willing to pay a premium for items they recognise as beneficial to both the planet and communities”. Additionally, the company prioritises countries with no import duties for products from Eswatini, making its sauces more competitive.

collaborates with only one distributor per country. “We rather stick to one person that we believe wants to grow the brand,” she remarks. Today, the company maintains a tight-knit relationship with its distributors. Castellano recalls, “In the beginning I used to be just, ‘Oh, here’s your shipment, have fun, enjoy. Contact me when you need your next order.’ Nowadays it is literally a weekly meeting.”

The United Arab Emirates is also an important territory for Black Mamba. According to Castellanos, it’s a market teeming with consumers who have disposable income and a penchant for new products. The company is currently navigating listings with regional supermarkets.

However, Castellanos emphasises that securing listings with supermarkets can be a protracted affair, sometimes taking years. That’s why, in the interim, it has targeted listings on local e-commerce platforms. Furthermore, Black Mamba has tapped into Taiwan, capitalising on its residents’ strong purchasing power and interest in novel foods.

Castellanos also sees significant growth potential for Black Mamba in the US. In 2020, the company received an investment from an American VC firm, Enygma Capital, which has aided in expanding its presence in North America.

Participation in international trade shows has proven pivotal for Black Mamba’s entry into new markets. For instance, with the help of a USAID-backed programme aimed at assisting export-ready businesses in Southern Africa to tap into the American market, Black Mamba has exhibited at events like the Fancy Food Show in New York.

Through the International Trade Centre, Black Mamba has also taken part in trade shows in the United Arab Emirates, which led to its entry into the Dubai market. And, sponsored by the Eswatini government, the company has attended the Food Taipei show, leading to a partnership with its current distributor in Taiwan.

Castellanos believes that trade shows offer more than just a platform to showcase the company’s products to retailers and distributors. They also provide insight into the market’s structure and an understanding of competitors.

The approach to trade shows has evolved as the business has grown. In the company’s early days, Castellanos attended trade shows without a concrete plan, merely hoping for interested buyers to stop by their booth. Now, the company gears up for trade shows months ahead of time.

Castellanos identifies which buyers she wants to connect with, reaches out to them via email to announce Black Mamba’s attendance, and schedules meetings ahead of time. “So when you go there,” she explains, “it’s an intense two or three days of non-stop work focused on building those markets.”

Black Mamba primarily partners with distributors in its export countries, though in some instances, it deals directly with retailers. Castellanos points out that one advantage of this distributor approach is their pre-existing relationships with various retailers.

Typically, Black Mamba collaborates with only one distributor per country. “We rather stick to one person that we believe wants to grow the brand,” she remarks. Today, the company maintains a tight-knit relationship with its distributors. Castellano recalls, “In the beginning I used to be just, ‘Oh, here’s your shipment, have fun, enjoy. Contact me when you need your next order.’ Nowadays it is literally a weekly meeting.

Regarding the marketing of its products overseas, Castellanos says that it’s typically a collaborative effort between Black Mamba’s marketing team, its distributors, and occasionally, the distributors’ marketing agencies abroad. To ensure brand consistency worldwide, Black Mamba has devised a global marketing strategy and established brand guidelines.

Another important consideration is how to divide the marketing budget between Black Mamba and its distributors in these countries. Castellanos mentions that Black Mamba usually provides distributors with complimentary access to the marketing artwork and other assets, as well as product samples, which are crucial for sparking initial consumer interest. Nonetheless, Black Mamba leans on the local market knowledge of its international partners, be it in choosing in-country influencers or pinpointing optimal dates for tastings and promotions.

Castellano strongly believes in the benefits of strategic networking and being proactive. She sees networking as her superpower. For her, LinkedIn has been invaluable in landing new export clients. Knowing that a cold outreach to a buyer or distributor might not be as effective as a personal introduction, she checks if the person she’s targeting is connected to someone she knows. If they are, she then asks for an introduction.

The Black Mamba CEO underscores her tenacity when approaching potential buyers. While some may find her persistence irksome, she believes, “There’s also the possibility that they say, ‘Yes, come and meet me’. And they’re impressed with your persistence and courage. So that has opened a lot of doors for me.” She further notes, “A thing that I’ve learned through life is that the worst thing that can happen is that they can say ‘no’.”

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Agrihouse Foundation collaborates with GhaNeb LLC to create agribusiness Trade and Investment opportunities for Ghanaian Agribusinesses in Nebraska.

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Agrihouse Foundation and GhaNeb LLC are offering a rare opportunity to Ghanaian farmers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, Government officials and the Private Businesses, to exploit a business, Trade and investment opportunity in the forthcoming Nebraska-Ghana Trade and Investment Program, and experience the highly rated Husker Harvest Days.

The  Nebraska-Ghana Trade and Investment program,  taking  place in Grand Island, NE, Nebraska, USA, from September 10th to 14th, 2023, is also receiving support from the Nebraska State Legislature, Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, EZ Politix, Sandhills Global, The Nebraska Department of Economic Development and Certified Piedmonstese

“Indeed, Agrihouse Foundation and GhaNeb LLC,  are truly looking forward to successfully bringing Agricultural interests and leaders from Ghana and  Nebraska, together to help build relationships and bring the interests of both nations together for everyone’s benefit, especially our farmers and Agribusinesses”,  Ms. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director,  Agrihouse Foundation, was quoted as saying in the press release.

“Besides creating and facilitating opportunities for growth of business, Trade and Investment, in both Nebraska and Ghana, twice in a year, one of the long-term vision of this partnership, is to establish a Ghana- Nebraska Trade & Investment (GhaNeb) Secretariat, in Ghana to support, in growing, harnessing and contribute to scaling  up, the opportunities, that are built.

However, to kick-start this vision, we are working with GhaNeb LLC and the Nebraska State Legislature, to send a Ghanaian Business delegation to Nebraska from September 9 – September 15, 2023.

“With the success of this first Trade and Investment program, every subsequent September, Agrihouse Foundation, will work to facilitate a strong business delegation to Nebraska and, every November, Nebraska will, in the same way, send a business delegation to Ghana,” Ms. Akosa elucidated further.

This much needed business event, will equally presents opportunities, for Ghana and Nebraska State businesses, Government agencies officials, to discuss, explore, develop, strengthen and forge bilateral trade and investment relations.

Affirming this,  Mr. Ken Schilz, the Key player in the Program,  and a former Nebraska State Senator and (former) Chair of the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee Nebraksa,  explains,  that the event presents participants,  with  immense business opportunities to meet leaders in the Agricultural world.

Whiles in Nebraska, the Ghana Delegation, will also engage in pre-arranged B2B sessions, and other pre-arranged business meetings, which all aims to present and project the opportunities that could be explored by both countries.

The program also presents a great opportunity for learning about new technologies and advancements, that are taking place in American and global agriculture.

“We are working on bringing a delegation from Ghana to participate in our first Trade and Investment Program, and experience Husker Harvest Days. 

Whiles in Ghana last year, we worked with Agrihouse Foundation, to facilitate a Government and Private Businesses Stakeholder Event.

We also  had the opportunity to visit and experience, some large commercial farms in the Mion, Northern Region.  We are particularly excited, that we have been able to scale up, our working relationship. Our collective goal is to, continue our work together, to grow our economies and create lasting partnerships. Former State Senator Ken Schilz added.

So far, The Ghanaian participants that shall be attending this event shall participate in top trade conversations and negotiations, breakout tours, market linkages negotiations, matchmaking, and investment related programs.

They will also have the opportunity to experience the Husker Harvest Days. “For over 40 years, Husker Harvest Days has provided world-class space where farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness/agripreneurs gain priceless insights for their operations while making connections that last for years,” Mr. Schilz explained.  

 The highly rated event known, as the world’s largest totally irrigated working farm show, has been connecting farming families with Agri producers and services from across the America and beyond. Farmers attend to engage, and this all adds up to ROI (return on investment) value for their business.

This very important agricultural business and investment event will develop and strengthen economic partnerships, provide access to valuable and sustainable market access, enhance bilateral investments, training, knowledge and technology transfer that will support and further boost Ghana’s rapidly growing import and export sector.  
 
Sufficient knowledge to share and takeaway.
Participants will enjoy personal conversations with equipment and product designers, techs, and engineers on current equipment and future farming needs; experience the latest in agric technology, and learn from industry experts.

Seen as an event that has something for everyone, the Husker Harvest and the Trade and Investment program, promises memorable field demonstrations, Poultry, cattle handling, hemp education, exhibits – and a Hospitality Tent where visitors can relax and enjoy free educational sessions and other guest speakers, and much more.

Whiles in Nebraska, GhaNeb and Agrihouse, plan to have a reception the night before the event’s date for sponsors and participants, with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development providing entry Passes to the event.

Additionally, a luncheon or dinner, and Roundtable discussions, will be organized, as well for sponsors and participants.

At the reception and networking forum on the first day, the conversation will be centered on economic and investment strategies, and practical measures to accelerate and sustain Ghana’s Economic Repositioning and accelerated growth to drive investors to partner Ghana in building the desired thriving industrialized economy.
 
Field demonstrations that compels innovative investments for increased yields.
Whilst in Nebraska, participants shall also have the opportunity to visit farms, processing facilities, implement dealers, as well as meeting with representatives from Nebraska Agriculture Trade Associations, Government leaders and other Agri businesses to exchange ideas and create relationships.  

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development will be hosting the Ghanaian Business delegates, and will have the opportunity to interact with global machinery, equipment and technology companies exhibiting at the Tradeshow.

“This is a growth opportunity in agribusiness, Trade and investment, a first step in our long-term plan.  Ms. Akosa concluded.

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13 years of connecting farmers, input dealers and processors to market: Agrihouse celebrates remarkable Pre-Harvest’s contributions.

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 In 2017, the USAID ADVANCE Project handed over the annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibitions event to Agrihouse Foundation as part of the organization’s exit strategy. Since then, Agrihouse Foundation has implemented and scaled up the project, by annually connecting over 3000 smallholder farmers, commercial farmers, seeds, fertilizer, irrigation, finance, processors, ICT, service providers, machinery and equipment companies and value chain actors to markets. 

The Preharvest, has strategically grown, to become a intervention, and highly impactful market linkage program, on Ghana’s Agribusiness calendar, providing long-term market development opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses.

ABOUT PREHARVEST

The Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibitions event, for the past 12 years, have provided and created market linkages and built the capacity of over 150,000 value chain actors and stakeholders.

Beneficiaries and participants of the annual Preharvest event ranges from farmer groups, buyers, development partners, policy makers, agribusinesses, ICT professionals, and aggregators. Others include input dealers, equipment and machinery dealers, transporters, financial institutions, telecommunication companies, out growers, civil society, and processors, who converge in the Northern Region, to network, exhibit, share knowledge, train, engage in field demonstration activities and most importantly, negotiate and seal deals.

The intervention has served as a stimulating platform for match-making, exchange, agribusiness development, stakeholder linkages, and has brought about growth in local economies, through the creation of expanded agribusiness opportunities. It has also assisted in removing constraints on market access for farmers and agribusinesses who require access to lucrative markets and economic opportunities to improve their livelihoods and those of their families.

The annual Preharvest event, culminates with conference events, presentations, exhibitions, and a marketplace for business-to-business meetings.

It continuous to serve as a dynamic platform for farmers to negotiate and seal contracts and strengthen the capacity of Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs), Aggregators, Processors, and value chain actors for them to play a key role as agricultural market actors.

 It has assisted over 64,000 farmers and agribusinesses to expand their businesses both before and after harvesting.

After twelve (12) successful editions, and through feedbacks and testimonies, we are confident to say, the annual Preharvest event, has lived up to its overall goal of creating markets and linking farmers to buyers. 

Over five billion USD business deals, has been generated through the event over the years.

In 2022, the event recorded a total of 3700 participants, over the 3-day event, with about 210 exhibitors, who included farmers, input dealers, equipment and machinery dealers, Irrigation dealers, financial institutions, telecommunication companies.

Others were processors, development partners, insurance companies, non-governmental organizations and government agencies.

A survey conducted after he event, indicated high interest in participation for subsequent years due to the relevance of the sessions and activities’’. Stated Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation.

FOCUS ON THE 13TH PREHARVEST AGRIBUSINESS EXHIBITIONS AND CONFERENCE:

This tradition of impact continues this year with a project participation of about 5000 and an increase in Exhibitors, from 150 last year, to 250.

The event, is slated to hold, from Tuesday, October 24 to Thursday, October 26, 2023, under the Theme: “Connecting the Unconnected – The Farmer, The Input Dealer, The Processor,”

Just as last year, a number of activities have been lined-up, to make up this year’s event, even more valuable, interactive, engaging and impactful, to participants and attendees.

Activities for the three (3) days event, will include:

COMMODITY BREAKOUT SESSION: NAVIGATING AGRICULTURAL VALUE CHAINS

Bringing together a diverse spectrum of participants, including farmer groups, farmer-based organizations, aggregators, buyers, students, smallholders, and commercial farmers, the Commodity Breakout Session aims to provide invaluable insights into excelling within the agricultural value chain.

 FARMER-BUYER MATCHMAKING

A dedicated networking session, the Farmer-Buyer Matchmaking event is tailored for farmers to engage with potential wholesale buyers and various agribusinesses along the value chain. During this dynamic session, both farmers and buyers have the opportunity to forge connections and seal deals that can shape the trajectory of their agricultural endeavours.

EXHIBITIONS

Spanning the entirety of the three-day event, an engaging -exhibition showcase will unfold, creating a space for buying and selling at affordable prices. This dynamic platform serves as a hub for exploring the latest innovations, products, and services that are driving advancements in the agricultural sector ranging from Crop Varieties, Seeds, Farm Equipment and Machinery, Agrochemicals and Fertilizers, Livestock among others

 FIELD DEMONSTRATIONS

At the heart of the three-day event, the Field Demonstrations stand out as a prominent highlight. Here, farmers and industry participants engage in practical learning, gaining firsthand experience and adopting best practices in farm management. Hosted at the Agrihouse Foundation Agri-Village, this immersive experience aims to equip attendees with tangible skills that can enhance their agricultural practices.

As the event approaches, anticipation is building for these multifaceted sessions that collectively aim to foster knowledge sharing, collaboration, and growth within Ghana’s agricultural landscape. Stay tuned for an enriching experience that celebrates innovation, connectivity, and progress.

OUTCOMES AND EXPECTATIONS:

The three days event is expected to provide participants with a common platform where diverse services linked to the Agric sector will converge to provide mutually beneficial ends

Participants will be taken through practical and engaging sessions to enable them gain deeper insights into best practices and how to take advantages of the numerous opportunities in the agriculture sector.

The three-day event will feature sessions designed to give participants in-depth insight into the state of the agriculture industry today and inherent opportunity. such as commodity break-out sessions, intensive and focused training programs, farmer -buyer matchmaking dialogue, training, panel education sessions, field demonstrations, keynotes, and exhibitions while displaying, promoting business, and creating networking opportunities

THE VENUE:

We are super excited to announce that, after 13 years of successfully hosting the annual Preharvest Agribusiness Exhibitions and Conference event, at different locations, within the Northern region, this year’s event, will fully be held at the AGRIHOUSE AGRI-VILLAGE TRAINING AND DEMONSTRATION CENTRE, located at Bamvum.

The Ten(10) acre land, was donated to Agrihouse Foundation, in 2021 by the he Bamvim Lana (Chief of Bamvim).

Agrihouse Foundation is working to develop the land, in the next 3-5 years, to become the Premier Agribusiness Training, Exhibitions and Demonstration Centre, with crop and livestock stations, processing centre, conference, workshop halls, restrooms, exhibition stores for Agric companies, training and recreational centres, among others.

JOIN THE 13TH EDITION OF THE PRE-HARVEST AGRIBUSINESS EXHIBITIONS AND CONFERENCE EVENT:

We invite all stakeholders and value chain actors, to get ready, to embark on an Agribusiness Adventure like never before.  Join us from October 24-26, 2023 at the Agrihouse foundation Agri village, Bamvim in the Northern Region, as we for the   highly anticipated 13th edition of the pre-harvest agribusiness exhibitions and conference event.

Discover the ultimate platform that connects farmers, market players and agribusinesses, unlocking endless opportunities for growth, innovation and success.

The 13t edition of the Pre-harvest event, is designed as an ideal scenario to foster collaborations and integration, within the industry.

Over the course of the three days, participants will have the opportunity to exchange experiences, explore appropriate technologies, enhance productivity and create a network of opportunities.

Don’t miss out on this transformative event making waves in the agricultural industry over a decade now.

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Planting for Food And Jobs’ phase II programme launched.

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Monday, 28th August 2023, launched Phase Two of Government’s flagship programme on agriculture, “Planting for Food and Jobs,” at the University for Development Studies, in Tamale.

Targeted at building on the successes of the initial programme, the second phase of the programme is a five-year master plan for the transformation of agriculture in Ghana with focus on modernisation through the development of a selected commodity value chain and active private sector participation.

Speaking at the launch, President Akufo-Addo stated that the second phase, by design, “takes a holistic view and places greater emphasis on value chain approaches by focusing on strengthening linkages between actors along eleven selected agricultural commodity value chains broadly categorised into grains, roots and tuber, vegetables and poultry.”

He added that Phase Two of the Programme also seeks to improve service delivery to maximise impact, and substitutes direct input subsidy with smart agricultural financial support in the form of comprehensive input credit, with provision for in-kind payment.

The President disclosed further that key elements of the new phase also include an input credit system that provides farmers with access to inputs such as seeds, fertilizers and pesticides and other support services for improving productivity and yield as well as storage infrastructure and logistic hub to improve storage and distribution of produce to reduce post-harvest losses.

Additionally, it also includes off-taker arrangements/commodity trading to improve farmer access to markets which guarantees fair prices for crops; and a digitised platform for management, monitoring and coordination to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the programme.

“The impact of the Programme is expected to be in the area of job creation, with some one-point-two million (1.2 million) farmers to be enrolled in the first year. In the next four (4) years, the Programme is destined to record an annual average of two hundred and ten thousand (210,000) new farm-related jobs. This will exclude other jobs along the agricultural value chains estimated at an annual average of four hundred and twenty thousand over the same period,” President Akufo-Addo said.

It will be recalled that, On Wednesday, 19th April 2017, President Akufo-Addo launched the maiden “Planting for Food and Jobs” programme at Goaso in the Ahafo region to represent government’s key initiative to modernise agriculture, improve production efficiency, achieve food security, and profitability for our farmers. It summarily targeted a significant increase in agricultural productivity and pursued a value-addition strategy, aimed at rapidly ramping up agro-processing and developing new and stable markets.

The President noted that, the successful implementation of the first phase has resulted in reaching over 2.7 million farmers and other value chain actors under the five modules, a relatively stable food security environment with food self-sufficiency in major food staples such as maize, cassava and yam and an increased agricultural sector growth rate from 2.7% in 2016 to an average of 6.3% from 2017 to 2021.

He continued that, as a result of this, “Government has, thus, been able to achieve the annual target of six percent (6%) of sector growth, set under the Malabo Declaration to which Ghana is a signatory, increased fertilizer application rate from eight kilogrammes per hectare (8 kg/ha) in 2016 to twenty-five kilogrammes per hectare (25 kg/ha) in 2022, an increased distribution of certified seeds from two thousand metric tons (2,000 MT) in 2016 to thirty-six thousand metric tons (36,000 MT) in 2022 and an increased private sector investment in the seed industry.”

The President was happy to disclose that, “a recent Summit, organised by the United Nations on the need to build country food systems in September 2021 in New York and at the AU Dakar II Summit in January 2022, underscored the need for the review of strategies for delivering solutions to challenges in the agricultural sector” as such “it is praise-worthy that Ghana has responded to the call to action at both Summits by rolling out the Second Phase of the PFJ Programme.”

“I continue to give you my pledge that farmers, food crop farmers, fish farmers and livestock farmers will all have the support and respect they deserve from my government. We need to raise agriculture to a higher plane to be able to improve on the quality of life for our people,” he assured.

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Over 40,000 agro-processing firms received support to enhance product quality.

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Over 40,000 entities and individuals in agro processing and cosmetics have benefited from the West Africa Competitiveness Programme by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation.

The support which includes quality of products and technical assistance on value addition aims at helping these beneficiary firms to get easy access to the international market.

Speaking to Journalists at the second Ghana International Cluster conference, which forms part of the initiative to showcase innovations of industrial clusters in the cosmetics, fruits and cassava value chain, Project Manager, Ebe Muschialli, hinted that the majority of the support has gone into quality standards.

“We have begun this initiative to help small and medium enterprises especially in agro-processing so they can enhance the quality of their products and meet the international quality standards of the European Union”.

“With this, we have also supported market access and productivity for some of them since the inception of the programme and I can tell you that about 42,000 smallholder firms have received a form of support, ranging from farmers, aggregators, processors and other dealers in the value chain” she disclosed.

The West Africa Competitiveness Programme, WACOMP was initiated to scale up agro-processing firms to enhance the quality of their products as well as gain access to international markets.

Chief Technical Advisor for the programme, Dr. Charles Kwame Sackey, explained the scope of work for the entire programme and how it benefited Ghanaian small and medium enterprises.

The conference was organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the European Union and the Ministry of Trade and Industries (MoTI) on the theme “Ghanaian Clusters, A Driving Force for the Economy”.

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How to save tomato seeds to replant: Easy Step-By-Step Guide

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Learn how to save tomato seeds with our step-by-step guide! Regrow heirloom varieties without buying new seeds and make your garden more self-reliant and sustainable.

There’s nothing better than looking over your thriving garden and seeing your vibrant red tomatoes glistening in the golden sunlight. Did you know that these fruits are not only the key to a tasty tomato salad today, but also to a beautiful crop next year too?

Whether you grow tomatoes in containers or as part of a larger garden, saving tomato seeds is the easiest way to unlock the secret of infinite tomato plants for years to come. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps, tips and best practices for successful seed saving. By preserving these seeds, you can regrow heirloom varieties without the need to buy new seeds, making your garden more self-reliant and sustainable. Let’s learn how to save tomato seeds!

Choosing the Right Tomato

When it comes to saving tomato seeds, you should look for open-pollinated or heirloom varieties. 
When it comes to saving tomato seeds, you should look for open-pollinated or heirloom varieties. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / ignartonosbg)

To start seed saving, you must first choose the most exceptional tomatoes from your own garden or look for open-pollinated or heirloom varieties. These are tomatoes that have been pollinated naturally by wind or insects and produce seeds that will grow new plants with characteristics similar to the parent plant. Hybrid varieties, on the other hand, may not produce true-to-type plants from saved seeds.

Consider the following questions when selecting tomatoes for seed saving:

  • Which tomatoes taste the best?
  • Which tomato plants were able to withstand any diseases or tough weather they may have faced?
  • Which tomatoes looked the best?

Trust your instincts when picking tomatoes for seed saving. Wait for the tomatoes to finish ripening on the vine before you pick them to ensures that the seeds inside the fruits are mature and viable for saving.

Fermentation Method for Saving Tomato Seeds

Learn how to harvest seeds from tomatoes to keep your garden full each year.
Learn how to harvest seeds from tomatoes to keep your garden full each year. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / stevepb)

This method may surprise you, but did you know that you can save tomato seeds by fermenting them? Although it might sound odd, this is a very handy trick for sorting the viable from the non-viable seeds. Here are just a few of the benefits of this method:

  • This method makes it less likely for plants to get sick. The fermentation process removes the gelatinous coating around the seeds, which can harbor pathogens.
  • The process helps break down germination inhibitors present in the seed coating, increasing the viability of the seeds.
  • Fermentation provides an opportunity for natural selection since viable seeds tend to sink to the bottom, while non-viable or lower-quality seeds and debris float and can be discarded.

Fermentation Instructions:

  1. Halve your chosen tomatoes, scoop out the pulp and seeds, and transfer them into a clean jar.
  2. Add water to the jar, approximately equal to the volume of the pulp-seed mixture.
  3. Cover the container with a cloth to keep insects out and place it in a warm location (around 70-80°F or 21-27°C) for 2–4 days.
  4. Stir the mixture once or twice a day while it is fermenting. The mixture will develop a layer of mold and a sour smell as Microbes make a gelatinous coating around the seeds.
  5. Add more water to the container after fermentation. Viable seeds will sink to the bottom, while any floating debris or non-viable seeds can be removed.
  6. Thoroughly rinse the seeds in a fine-mesh sieve under running water to remove any remaining pulp.

Drying Instructions:

  1. Put the seeds in a single layer on a paper towel or a fine screen to dry away from direct sunlight or in an area of high humidity.
  2. Turn the seeds occasionally to make sure they dry evenly.
  3. Let the seeds air dry completely, which can take a few days to a couple of weeks.

Once fully dry, store the seeds in a labeled envelope or airtight container in a cool, dry place until you are ready to start your seeds in egg cartons before transplanting them to the garden.

How to Save Tomato Seeds Through Manual Extraction

Manual extraction for saving tomato seeds is simpler and less time-consuming than fermentation.
Manual extraction for saving tomato seeds is simpler and less time-consuming than fermentation. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / congerdesign)

The more common way to save tomato seeds is to simply harvest them directly from the tomato. It’s easier and requires less effort than the fermentation method. Some other benefits of this method include:

  • Fermentation can cause odor and mold, but manual extraction avoids these issues and is better for those sensitive to odors or concerned about mold.
  • Gardeners prefer manually extracting seeds from specific tomato varieties to avoid altering their characteristics.

Manual Extraction Instructions:

  1. Slice your tomato in half and scoop out the pulp along with the seeds into a clean jar.
  2. Add water to the jar and stir or shake thoroughly to separate the seeds from the pulp.
  3. Viable seeds will sink to the bottom, while the pulp and debris will float on the top.
  4. Get rid of the floating pulp and debris, and collect the viable seeds at the bottom.
  5. Clean the seeds well by putting them in a fine mesh sieve and running water. This will get rid of any pulp that’s left.

You can then follow the same steps listed above for drying the seeds for later planting.

Why It’s Important to Reduce Reliance on Commercial Seeds

There are many great reasons to reduce our dependence on commercial seeds. When we save and replant seeds from heirloom varieties, we’re doing our part to preserve the remarkable diversity of plants and maintain their rich genetic heritage.

When we save and replant seeds from our own plants, those seeds gradually adapt to our specific growing conditions. They become perfectly attuned to our climate, soil, and other factors. It means our plants become more resilient, healthier, and better able to fend off pests and diseases.

We’re at risk of losing valuable genetic variation in our food system if we rely too heavily on commercial seeds. That’s bad news because genetic diversity is like insurance for the future. By saving and exchanging seeds with other gardeners, we contribute to keeping our food system strong, secure, and adaptable.

Saving seeds also gives us more control and independence in our gardens. By relying less on external seed suppliers, we can to choose and grow the plants that best suit our tastes and local conditions. Don’t forget the money saving aspect either!

Here are a couple more sustainable gardening practices we recommend incorporating alongside seed saving for maximum positive impact in your garden:

Companion Planting:

  • Tomato companion plants can be very beneficial, like giving your tomatoes friends who will work together to protect each other. Planting companions like basil, marigold, or borage, for example, helps keep pests away and attract important pollinators like bees.

Natural Tomato Fertilizers:

  • The best fertilizers for growing tomatoes contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as other micronutrients, which can all be found in things like compost, aged manure, and organic plant-based fertilizers. By using natural fertilizers, you’re not only helping your plants but also reducing your reliance on synthetic chemicals.

By reducing your dependence on commercial seeds and adopting sustainable gardening practices like these, you’re creating a thriving ecosystem where your tomatoes can flourish while conserving resources.

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GIRSAL adopts net house technology to revive chili production for export.

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Ghana was banned from exporting vegetables to the EU market in 2014. Although the ban was lifted in 2017, the country’s vegetable sector has not recovered from its negative impact in terms of production and export.

Before the ban – which was caused by non-compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, Ghana was the largest exporter of fresh chili to the United Kingdom (UK), exporting 1,903 metric tonnes valued at US$ 5.2 million per annum. However, the value of chili exports took a nosedive, dropping to US$87,000 in 2021 – approximately 0.5 percent of the worldwide market share.

But in an effort to resuscitate the ailing sector, the Ghana Incentive-based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL), in collaboration with its technical and funding partners, has embarked on a commercial trial of the vegetable, using a basic agricultural technology known as net house.

The net house technology is a form of protected cropping structure that offers an ideal environment for plant growth while protecting them from foreign elements and pests.

Chief Operating Officer at GIRSAL, Takyi Sraha, explained to the B&FT that the project is to establish and validate the concept of a business case for commercial-scale chili production in net houses by establishing production protocols and determining the cost of setting up production equipment and infrastructure and using the results of the trial to advocate private sector investment in vegetable production.

Mr. Sraha noted that using this less costly but effective technology for chili production can significantly improve the quality and quantity of yield, making it more marketable as there is a reduction in reliance on pesticides.

“It is easier to install, low-cost, and better suited for warmer climates compared to greenhouses. This technology reduces the risk of insect pest invasion as it uses insect-proof nets, and minimises wind damage and water stress during warm, dry, and windy conditions,” he elaborated.

According to him, the GIRSAL project has identified four locations for commercial trials, namely Ziope and Woadze in the Volta Region, Kyekyewere in the Eastern Region as well and the Dahwenya Irrigation Site in the Greater Accra Region.

“Currently, the pilot has been rolled out in trial production of the Birds Eye variety of chili on a 0.4-hectare net house at the Agri Impact Greenhouse Enclave in Dawhenya,” he said.

Highlighting the core objectives guiding GIRSAL’s operation, he said the company was set up to de-risk financing to the agricultural sector by financial institutions and by so doing, stimulate investment. “As a limited liability company owned by the government, we have the credit risk guarantee facility which we use to support the banks to lend to the agricultural sector. We also have the technical assistance facility, which we use to build the capacity of the banks to understand agriculture and agribusiness so that they will feel confident lending to this sector.”

With respect to the market potential of chili, Mr. Sraha indicated that the country has an estimated untapped world market potential of US$ 380 million over a five-year period. He attributed its demand increase in Europe to the growing popularity of ethnic cuisines that use chilies as a key ingredient in their recipes as well as the growing cultural diversity of the world.

He was optimistic that with adequate capital investment and adoption of the net house system, the country could rake in about US$ 30 million from chili export annually.

“Based on our budget and analysis, the margins would be so high to cover the cost of production. We are expecting to get not less than US$48,000 from a hectare of the chili pilot. Cultivating just 100 hectares using the net house system will give you US$ 4.8 million, according to our cost-benefit analysis,” Mr. Sraha explained.

He noted that the pilot project has the potential to make a significant impact on Ghana’s vegetable industry, helping to recapture the lost international market share while improving the quality of chilies produced.

As the chili export business charts a recovery from a series of setbacks and predicaments occasioned by the ban, it has become necessary that it prioritises the adoption of sustainable practices to enhance and protect yields from pests and diseases in order to meet export requirements.

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USAID supports pineapple production expansion to position Ashanti Region as another pineapple production hub in Ghanaian

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The US Government, through the USAID-supported Feed the Future Ghana Mobilizing Finance in Agriculture (USAID MFA) Activity, under the COVID-19 Relief and Resilience Challenge Fund, is assisting in expanding pineapple production in the Ashanti Region to create jobs, especially for the youth and women, and produce raw material for the fruits processing industry.

As of August 2023, about 300 smallholder farmers – 20 percent youth – in selected communities in Atwima-Kwanwoma, Sekyere East, Afigya-Kwabre North, Juaben, Ejura, Amansie Central, Amansie West, and Asante Akyem North Districts have benefitted from the introductory phase of the pineapple project as an alternative source of livelihood and enhanced resilience.

The smallholder farmers include the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme beneficiaries as well as youths under the umbrella of the National Youth Authority (NYA) in the Ashanti Region. Each farmer was given about 5,000 pineapple suckers – planting materials – for a start, and this will increase in subsequent seasons. The introductory phase covers about 120 acres.

The farmers have received free pineapple suckers for cultivation; and on top of it, they have received integrated pests management (IPM) training. Departments of Agriculture in Atwima-Kwanwoma, Sekyere East, and Afigya-Kwabre North Districts as well as NYA Ashanti Region received a tricycle each to assist farmers with their pineapple production activities. The Regional Department of Agriculture, Ashanti is also providing extension services to the farmers.

The initiative is geared toward positioning the Ashanti Region as another pineapple production hub in Ghana. The leading pineapple production areas in the country are Akuapim South in the Eastern Region and the southern part of the Central Region.

Dr. Victor Antwi, Chief of Party – USAID MFA Activity who disclosed this said an agro-processing company, Bodukwan Farms, and Multi Fruit Processing Factory in Kumasi, has shown interest in buying the pineapple fruits from the farmers when harvested. It has an excess capacity to buy about 12,000 MT of pineapple fruits in the short term, and this could double in the medium term. It will also explore the use of the Kumasi International Airport to develop other products for the export market.

He added: “Other fruit processing companies have shown interest in setting up processing plants in the Ashanti Region to broaden the market base for the farmers. This will also spur more farmers and agricultural investors to set up pineapple farms to take advantage of the promising market. This enhances the potential of processing pineapple in the Ashanti Region for export by taking advantage of the soon-to-be-commissioned Kumasi International Airport”.

Dr. Antwi was speaking at the launch of the Ghana Association of Female Agricultural and Fish Farming Award Winners (GAFAFAW) in Accra. The Association is made up of women who were recognized as best female farmers during the 2022 National Farmers’ Day celebration in Ghana.

“I want to challenge you female awardees to encourage your fellow farmers to invest in pineapple production as an alternative activity in addition to your current crops to create jobs and enhance your livelihoods. This will be an opportunity for the teeming youth, especially tertiary graduates, to also show interest in the pineapple value chain,” he said.

In an address, the Chairperson of GAFAFAW, Ernestina Osei-Tutu, said the primary objective of the association is to empower and support female farmers across the country, fostering their personal and professional growth while advocating for gender equality in the agricultural industry.

She said: “GAFAFAW seeks to address the specific challenges faced by female farmers, such as limited access to resources, financial constraints, and gender-based discrimination. By providing mentorship, access to credit facilities, and establishing networks with key stakeholders, we strive to create an enabling environment for female agricultural entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to the agricultural development in Ghana”.

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Innovation at the Agric Sector: how Volta Region is taking gari to a new level with sweet potatoes

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In Anlo Tsiame, nestled in the heart of the Volta Region, a captivating culinary innovation has emerged.

The Pink gari is made from purple potatoes. This stunning fusion of traditional African cuisine and modern culinary creativity has been capturing the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike.

This innovation was first discovered on Twitter, this delectable delight will not only add a splash of color to the local cuisine. But it will also contribute to the socio-economic development of the community.

The Origin of Pink Gari

Gari, a popular West African staple made from fermented cassava, has been a dietary mainstay for generations.

However, in the vibrant town of Anlo Tsiame, a twist has been introduced that has taken this everyday dish to new heights. The secret lies in the use of purple sweet potatoes, a colorful tuber rich in antioxidants and nutrients

Purple sweet potatoes

The innovation was made known to the public through @seyramofficials, a local collective committed to enticing the youth into agriculture by using his page to promote the sale of agricultural products.

The introduction of pink gari has not only been a gastronomic revelation but has also brought about positive changes in the local community. By utilizing locally available ingredients and traditional techniques, Anlo Tsiame has reinvigorated interest in traditional foods while opening new economic avenues.

Additionally, it is gaining attention from both locals and tourists, boosting tourism and promoting the region as a culinary destination.

Embracing Innovation while Preserving Tradition

The emergence of pink gari made from purple sweet potatoes in Anlo Tsiame stands as a testament to the dynamic nature of culinary evolution. This innovative twist on a classic dish showcases how traditions can be respectfully upheld while allowing room for creativity and experimentation.

Anlo Tsiame has demonstrated that by combining the past and the present, it is possible to create a culinary masterpiece that not only delights the senses but also sustains local communities and traditions.

The pink gari phenomenon is a living example of how food can be a powerful tool for cultural expression and economic progress.

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