The company said the suspension would allow it to closely monitor market trends and adjust to market realities.
Olam Agri in Nigeria, a provider of differentiated food, feed, and fibre products, has temporarily suspended the procurement of essential grains such as maize and sorghum immediately.
The company said the suspension would allow it to closely monitor market trends and adjust to market realities.
Olam Agri said it “recognises the nation’s significant challenges of food insecurity”.
It said, “As a major buyer and processor of food staples, we share the concerns around the high prices and supply chain disruptions affecting the availability of essential grains.
“In response to these challenges, we are actively collaborating with industry peers and government authorities to identify and implement strategic solutions to alleviate any additional stress on food availability.
“As part of our proactive approach, Olam Agri in Nigeria has decided to temporarily suspend the procurement of essential grains such as maize and sorghum immediately which will allow us to closely monitor market trends and adjust to market realities.
“This decision follows wide consultations with relevant authorities and is part of our commitment to manage the ongoing crisis.
“During this period, our commitment to contribute to local food production capacities remains unwavering as we will ensure uninterrupted distribution of food supplies to the public.
“Our longstanding practice of sourcing essential grains from local Nigerian farmers has supported thousands of livelihoods and met the country’s demand for critical nutrients in daily diets.
“We are steadfast in our commitment to driving sustainable socio-economic development and food security in Nigeria. We are committed and will continue to work closely with authorities to contribute to stabilising the current market challenges.”
Wonfliki, a Ghanaian AgTech innovator, is collaborating with EOS Data Analytics – a global leader in AI-powered satellite imagery analytics – to propel it to the forefront of the country’s AgTech sector and reinforce its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
In response to the challenges faced by Ghana’s agriculture sector characterised by traditional family-run farms with limited surpluses, Wonfliki has joined forces with EOS Data Analytics to usher in a new era of modernisation and enhanced productivity. This partnership aligns seamlessly with Wonfliki’s dedication to mitigating risks in crop farming and ensuring proper land titles for farmers.
Wonfliki is set to leverage this partnership to deliver advanced crop monitoring services. This revolutionary technology will empower farmers and agribusinesses across local and continental landscapes, streamlining operational efficiency and conserving crucial resources.
Ghana’s agriculture industry which is projected to reach a market size of US$3.4billion in 2024, stands to benefit significantly from this collaboration. With Wonfliki’s commitment to bridging data gaps, enhancing farm productivity and contributing to sustainable agricultural development, the partnership addresses the evolving needs of the sector.
The partnership grants Wonfliki access to comprehensive satellite imagery data, offering valuable insights into crop health, predictive weather patterns, and farm conditions. This information, available for remote access by farmers and agribusinesses, heralds a new era in the utilisation of agricultural data.
Hillary Adare, Founder of Wonfliki, expresses enthusiasm about the partnership: “We eagerly anticipate harnessing this collaboration to improve farmers’ productivity using data-driven strategies. This venture not only elucidates cause-and-effect dynamics in farming, but also drives economic growth by enabling budget-informed decisions for agricultural businesses”.
Rim Elijah, VP of Sales at EOS Data Analytics, echoes this enthusiasm, stating: “We are thrilled to commit to advancing sustainable agricultural practices in Africa and enhancing technological adoption for the benefit of both individual agribusinesses and governmental bodies”.
Looking ahead, the partnership with EOS Data Analytics positions Wonfliki to engage with stakeholders and farmers in the agricultural domain, aligning with its commitment to augment efforts in the sector. Together, both organisations are determined to expand their impact by providing innovative solutions to a broader range of farmers, industries and government-led initiatives in the region.
What this means for the market
This partnership signifies a significant leap forward in the modernisation of Ghana’s agriculture sector.
With advanced AI technologies and satellite data analytics at its core, Wonfliki – in collaboration with EOS Data Analytics – is set to help farmers get more from their hard work. The technology has the ability to monitor crop health in real time, and coupled with access to forecasted weather information, it empowers farmers to make informed decisions.
The farm management system cuts costs and contributes to resource savings, aiding in effective farm management.
As Ghana’s agricultural landscape evolves, the integration of technology promises a future marked by resilience, sustainability and unprecedented growth; and Wonfliki aims to be a part of this story.
The Ghana National Association of Poultry Farmers (GNAPF) has attributed low levels of domestic poultry production to inadequate investment in the value chain by both government and private sector players.
GNAPF expressed concern about the situation, noting that there has been little investment in in-country facilities in the poultry value chain from hatcheries, feed mills, processors and cold chain facilities.
Ghana’s poultry demand, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), exceeds 460,000 metric tonnes per annum.
Data from the association indicates that local hatcheries only produce some five percent of the entire national demand, with 95 percent coming from imports.
“With national demand still skyrocketing, feed mills are also producing at only 12 percent capacity,” GNAPF president, Mr. Victor Oppong Adjei, said.
He said there exists only one commercial poultry abattoir in the country, slaughtering 9000 birds per day, but renewed investment in the sector could trigger establishment of several others.
Despite these capacity challenges, Mr. Oppong maintains that there exist opportunities for investors. For instance, while lamenting that broiler production is currently at lowly 15 percent of domestic demand, he indicated that it also presents an opportunity for investors.
Over the years, the GNAPF said more attention has been given to layer production as it is seen as more lucrative by farmers due to high demand for eggs.
Although the government introduced the Rearing for Food and Jobs programme in 2017 to promote local livestock production, particularly poultry, the initiative has seen little results.
This initiative was to increase broiler production and stop reliance on poultry importation. The programme looks to help support investors in the poultry value chain to produce over 162 million broilers and over 350 million guinea fowls within a space of five years to stem imports.
However, serious bottlenecks exist in the realisation of this dream. Among the key problems include high cost of feed – maize and soya beans- and utilities. Poultry sector stakeholders have consistently maintained that local production is suffering because of cheaper imports.
Notwithstanding these challenges, GNAPF reiterated that great investment prospects exist in the value chain, including setting up of large-scale farms; slaughtering and meat processing facilities, haulage and cold storage facilities; and establishment of new hatcheries, feed mills and breeder farms.
The Former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto is calling for speedy passage of the Legislative Instrument restricting importation of certain agricultural products.
Speaking at the launch of the 70th anniversary of the Faculty of Agriculture at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Dr. Afriyie Akoto said the delayed passage of L.I puts Ghanaian farmers at a disadvantage.
“12 of these products are agricultural products are cultivated by our farmers in Ghana.
“Our farmers are heavily disadvantaged under the current import regime. They desperately need a level playing field in order to compete effectively with their counterparts abroad,” he said.
In November 2023, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture pushed for the establishment of a regulation that will restrict the importation of what they call strategic products.
Some of the items include rice, fruit juices, innards, fish, cement, and some other 17 items.
However, the government suspended the L.I following massive opposition from various stakeholders including the minority in parliament.
The Vice-chancellor, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson touted KNUST’s commitment to ensuring the growth of Ghana’s agricultural landscape.
“New frontiers of agriculture have emerged, coupled with the negative effects of climate change and the need for climate change adaptation mitigation strategies, all the new technologies including artificial intelligence, internet of things and what have you are going on around us.
“As a leading science and technology university in this country, we have a responsibility to ensure that technology works for us as a university and the country as we keep our eyes on food security and all the issues that are related to agriculture in this country. We have led the way and we must continue to lead the way,” she emphasized.
The Faculty of Agriculture has been instrumental in efforts to ensure sustainable agriculture in Ghana.
The Faculty has for over 70 years contributed to programmes such as the Danida Root and Tuber Value Chain Project, AUSAID Improved Yam Storage Project, Ghana Poultry Project (GPP) Youth mentorship Programme, Finatrade Foundation Model Farm Concept among others.
With a student population of over 5,000, the faculty has been particularly facing infrastructural challenges.
The Dean of the faculty, Prof Enoch Adjei Osekere called on alumni and other stakeholders to help curtail the challenges.
“Student numbers have not come with commensurate infrastructure, academic and other staff support. Our lecture space is highly inadequate, laboratories lack state-of-the-art equipment and teaching materials are almost outdated.
“These challenges have reduced the effectiveness of teaching, learning and hands-on experiences,” he stated.
Some distinguished alumni were awarded for their accomplishments in various sectors of the Ghanaian economy.
An alumni and former Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hackman Owusu-Agyemang spoke about how the ideals of KNUST have positively impacted his life and career.
The 2022 Africa Food Prize winner Prof. Eric Danquah has called on African governments to increase investments in the agricultural sector.
He said there is a frustrating lack of investments by African governments in agricultural science because there is a lot of short-term thinking by visionless leaders.
“Despite typically being farmers themselves, many African politicians mentally uncouple farming and science. They somehow expect smallholders to flourish even if research and development gets no money.
“But to paraphrase a former Tanzanian president, agriculture without investment is like dancing without music,” he said in an interview.
The founding director of the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) at the University of Ghana said Africa cannot afford to keep on importing so much food.
“Spending foreign exchange on crops we could be growing locally is not only perverse but also unsustainable,” he said.
“When good African science gets into their hands, our farmers can compete, improve their livelihoods, and feed their countries,” he assured.
Prof. Danquah said African crop scientists must ensure that they are using the most efficient methods such as speed-breeding and other advanced technologies to develop better seeds for farmers.
“We have to keep abreast of what is happening elsewhere and be on the lookout for new, sometimes unexpected partnerships. At the same time, we must always align our science with societal needs,” he said.
“That means, for example, breeding varieties that help improve smallholders’ resilience rather than “only” tolerating a particular pest or disease.
“That’s a subtle mindset shift, but a vital one. And it means a greater focus on multi-disciplinary teams that develop, implement and learn together,” he noted.
The University of Ghana professor said the Covid pandemic was a big reminder of the fragility of African food supply chains.
“Here in Accra, as in most of the continent’s cities, informal channels play a crucial role in ensuring access to food and income.
“To tackle major challenges to the supply chain, African countries must meet their own needs locally. We can’t depend on imports,” he said.
He said African farmers could and should be more productive than they are currently.
“They deserve better varieties, developed locally…African crop science still lacks the critical mass required to serve the continent’s agriculture appropriately,” he said.
Prof. Danquah called for more efforts to tackle brain drain on the African continent. “International experience is highly valuable.
“Just look at all the places where our faculty trained! What matters is that Africans who study overseas then come back. And for WACCI, with its international intake, there is also an intra-continental aspect,” he said.
“One of the most rewarding sides to my job is seeing the impact that our alumni make back home. Former WACCI students are now spearheading crop improvement in more than 15 African countries.
“Who would have thought that would be possible 20 years ago? There were many doubters. But my WACCI team believes in young scientists, and they continue to justify that confidence,” he added.
Prof. Danquah observed that battling brain drain also requires high-quality organizations and facilities that encourage Africans to stay and work at home.
“We have to offer people a great place to work, in all respects. That’s why “People” are one of the five priorities in the University of Ghana’s 2024-29 Strategic Plan,” he said.
“In crop science, ambitious academics want top-class labs, greenhouses, and demo plots. And they need good long-term prospects – properly endowed fellowships, for example, not just a series of temporary grants. Nobody can live on a vague “we might extend it” from governments or donors,” he added.
In recent years, Africa has faced significant challenges in achieving food security, a situation exacerbated by factors such as climate change, population growth, and limited access to advanced agricultural technologies.
However, technology-powered solutions offer a promising path forward in addressing these challenges and improving food security across the continent. Agritech investments can build a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable food system that can combat climate change, reduce poverty and hunger, and empower marginalized groups.
€250,000 Kofi Annan Award
2023 Kofi Annan Award seeks to support technology-powered solutions and approaches that are helping to improve food security and systems in African countries. Social entrepreneurs with digital or technology-powered solutions for Africans should address one or more of the following priority topics:
Inclusion of marginalized groups in food security
Enhanced nutrition for women
Circular solutions and reduction of post-harvest losses
Nine promising teams will participate in a fully virtual Innovation Bootcamp to collaborate with technical and industry mentors and can apply for €250,000 equity-free funding. The three ventures selected to receive EUR 250,000 will also be welcomed into a WFP Sprint Programme. This 12-month acceleration program offers mentorship, a global network of influential partners, and resources designed to expedite growth and impact.
Seed funding for business entrepreneurs in Africa is vital for catalyzing economic growth and fostering innovation across a continent brimming with potential. Start-up funding enables local talent and ideas to address unique African challenges and unlocking market opportunities.
Financial support is crucial for job creation and reducing unemployment rates, especially among the youth. It also encourages diversity in economies largely dependent on a few sectors, reducing vulnerability to global market shifts. Entrepreneurs in Africa can drive significant social change, offering solutions tailored to local needs, and enhance global integration through business.
$5,000 Grants for African Entrepreneurs
Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme is open to Africans from all 54 African countries with scalable business ideas or a business that has been operational for no more than 3 years. The Foundation will distribute non-returnable seed capital of $5,000 to entrepreneurs seeking to turn their business dreams into reality.
Successful applicants will join the over 9,000 current beneficiaries, from 54 African countries, and receive business training, mentoring, seed capital, and global networking opportunities.
The Programme is a 10-year, $100 million commitment to identify, train, mentor and fund 10,000 young African entrepreneurs implementing the philosophy of Africapitalism, which positions the private sector as the growth engine for Africa and emphasises the importance of creating social and economic wealth.
There’s a looming diplomatic row as Burkina Faso’s Military leader Ibrahim Traoré has disclosed that his country will consult Mali and Niger to take a final decision on whether to allow Ghanaian traders and other West African nationals to do business in their countries.
He said a final determination would be made on the matter as consultation would first have to be made by leaders ofNiger Mali and Burkina Faso.
”We remain pan-African. Anyone in Africa or an African who wants to come to Burkina, is welcomed. We will decide what measures to take in due course regarding traders coming from Ghana, Nigeria and other West African countries),” he said.
The three nations officially announced last week that they were departing from the sub-regional ECOWAS trading bloc.
This raised fears from the Ghana Union of Traders (GUTA) which said its members import vegetables and other livestock from Mali Burkina Faso and Niger would be affected.
“This thing is going to affect us more than the other member states. We should bypass the ECOWAS to find an immediate solution,” Dr Joseph Obeng, President of the Union told Joy News.
He added “the cross border trading activities that goes on is going to be impacted negatively. Look at the cola nut that we ship to Niger, the onions that we bring from there and the tomatoes that we bring in.
“Also consider the bulk of things that the Burkinabes come to buy from us [in Ghana] so definitely it’s going to have a negative impact”.
Ibrahim Traore added that the departure from ECOWAS is well thought.
He added “it’s not a burst of anger. If it was an outburst, we would have done it a long time ago”.
Parliament has directed the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) to provide compensation to farmers who suffered losses due to the avian influenza or Bird Flu outbreak between 2015 and 2018.
The 2022 Auditor General’s Report has revealed that a significant portion of the allocated compensation funds, exceeding GH¢1.8 million, remains unutilized in the Ministry’s account.
The Ministry of Agriculture contends that the funds have not been distributed because affected farmers have not communicated the necessary details to the Ministry.
However, during a Public Accounts Committee session, the committee’s chairman, James Klutse Avedzi, instructed the Agriculture Ministry to locate the affected farmers and disburse the funds within the next month.
“I am sure you have a list of the farms that are affected and a certificate for destroying the birds as well. All that you need is to have the affected farmers’ bank details to do the transfer and I am sure that you have the contact details of these farmers.
“So we are giving you one month to disburse the monies to them quickly. Call them so that they will give their bank details so you can do the transfer for them.”
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has clarified that all cocoa processing companies established in Ghana after November 2001 are legally allowed to import cocoa beans for processing within the country.
This statement comes in response to a misrepresentation on social media regarding the circulation of an official letter granting Afrotropic Cocoa Processing Company Limited permission to import cocoa beans for processing.
In its official statement issued February 4, 2024, COCOBOD called on the public to disregard the false claim derived from the leaked letter, emphasizing that the practice of importing cocoa beans is intended to assist companies in meeting their desired recipes for chocolate production and other purposes.
Regarding the leaked letter, COCOBOD expressed concern over misinterpretation on social media platforms and subsequent dissemination of misinformation. The board cleared the air, stating that all post-November 2001 cocoa processing companies in Ghana have the legal right to import cocoa beans for processing within the country.
The statement also shed light on the industry’s long-standing practice of blending Ghana’s premium cocoa with beans from other producing countries.
Ghana’s cocoa is known for its exceptional quality, and the importation of cocoa beans allows factories to manage costs and implement operational strategies effectively.
This practice, which has been in place for over 20 years, has enabled companies to import cocoa from countries such as Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Nigeria, and Ecuador.
COCOBOD reiterated its commitment to ensuring the sustainability and growth of the cocoa industry in Ghana.
The board continues to explore innovative approaches to support cocoa processing companies, enabling them to maintain high standards and meet the demands of the chocolate market.
