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It is key to identify the contributions and the values of the small scale producers in the global market.

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The Fair Trade Ghana Network (FTGN) in collaboration with Small Producer Symbols (SPPs), a Fair-Trade Label with its headquarters in Mexico and operating globally in over twenty-five (25) producing countries organised a day’s event in Ghana to build local and global markets that value the identity, economic, social, cultural and ecological contributions of products from Small Producers’ Organizations.

The Small Producers Symbol (SPP), is a label that represents an alliance among organized small producers to build a local and global market that values the identity and the economic, social, cultural and ecological contributions of p

The Fair Trade Ghana Network (FTGN) in collaboration with Small Producer Symbols (SPPs), a Fair-Trade Label with its headquarters in Mexico and operating globally in over twenty-five (25) producing countries organised a day’s event in Ghana to build local and global markets that value the identity, economic, social, cultural and ecological contributions of products from Small Producers’ Organizations.

Target
This alliance is based on a relationship of collaboration, trust and co-responsibility among women and men who are small producers, with buyers and consumers.

The SPP represents the identity of organized small fair trade producers, to distinguish them in local and global markets with their products and values.

The event which took place in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region is the first of its kind in Ghana and was aimed at introducing, sensitizing, and discussing with selected cooperatives about the Label and its benefits to those in the Agriculture Value Chain.

The event brought together a total of thirty-five (35) participants from the cocoa, rice, shea, fruits and food crops value chain including representatives from two key stakeholders namely Department of Cooperatives, Ghana, and the Agronomists and Veterinarians without borders (AVSF) grace the occasion.

Presentations
Coordinator of Fair Trade Ghana Network (FTGN), Felix Ayambire, in his address, mentioned that FTGN has a membership-based platform of certified Fair Trade organisations from the Flocert-Fairtrade, Ecocert-Fair for life, and World Fair Trade Organisations.

He explained that members of the Network operate in various sectors including the Art & Crafts, Cocoa, Fruits and Nuts (Mango, Pineapple, Cocoa, Oranges, Banana, Citrus) value chain.

“The Network harmonises and brings together member cooperatives under one umbrella for the purposes of markets, trainings on sustainable production practices, advocacy, gender, leadership management, entrepreneurship development” he mentioned.

The West African Coordinator of Small Producer Symbols (SPP’s), Koffi Djade who was the lead facilitator explained the benefits and importance of building a local and global market that values the identity and the contributions of products from Small Producers’ Organizations.

He stated that the SPP is an intercontinental network of ecological small-producer organizations that was created to give small producers across the globe a level of value and proper identity in the Fair trade system.

“The Small Producer Symbols (SPPs) Global was born in 2006 as a result of a historical process of capacity building and self-empowerment of small Producer organizations.

“In partnership with committed companies, consumers and legitimized by independent certification, SPP fight for the recognition of producers work and high-quality products, a dignified life, and a healthy planet for all.

“SPP has its own, widely recognized system of standards and sustainable prices, reflecting the reality of small producers. The SPP Standards are backed up by an independent certification system which grants security to producers, consumers and traders across the globe.

“Presently, the label has 125 small producer organisations across twenty-five (25) countries with sixty different products” he mentioned.

About SPPs
SPP is an intercontinental network of ecological small-producer organizations. In partnership with committed companies and consumers and legitimized by independent certification, we fight for the recognition of our work and high-quality products, a dignified life, and a healthy planet for all.

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Nigeria set to overtake Ivory Coast, Ghana on cocoa sustainability.

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Through the collaborative efforts of stakeholders and the US government, as well as the resuscitation of commodity boards by Africa’s biggest economy, Nigeria is set to overtake Ivory Coast and Ghana in developing a sustainable cocoa supply chain, the country’s cocoa farmers association has said.

In light of this, the US Traceability and Resilience in Agriculture and Cocoa Ecosystems of Nigeria (TRACE) project implemented by Lutheran World Relief has approved of a $22 million five year development program.

The five year program covers; traceability, climate smart practices, inputs support to smallholder farmers, capacity building along the value chain and exports in collaboration with the Nigerian cocoa stakeholders.

Adeola Adegoke, national president, Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria said if the implementation of the TRACE project will help the country overtake the likes of Ivory Coast and Ghana on growing cocoa sustainably.

He called on the European Union to begin seeing Nigeria as a cocoa origin country taking the bull by the horn to address the challenges of cocoa sustainability as the TRACE project kick starts with the government readiness to resuscitate the Nigeria Cocoa Board.

“The cocoa commodity board was once noted for the growth of the industry and the driver of the commodity that gave the highest foreign exchange earnings to the federal government, especially when Nigeria was adjudged the best producer of flavor cocoa beans in West Africa with good aroma,” he said.

“This policy if well implemented will bring back the lost glory of the sector, when Nigeria was regarded as the second highest producer of cocoa in the 60’s and early 70’s with about 490,000 MTS,” he added.

Leading cocoa producers Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana have been reported to be making significant progress in ending deforestation as they prepare for the potential introduction of strict new EU sustainability laws. The EU has proposed to completely ban unsustainable cocoa beans from entering the international markets, come 2025.
The two countries, Ivory Coast and Ghana, released reports in 2022, claiming they had reached new traceability milestones.

Côte d’Ivoire said it had mapped 3.2m hectares of cocoa farms while Ghana said it had mapped 72 percent of its total cocoa growing area via its national Cocoa Management System, both covering 515,762 farmers and 845,635 farms at the time.

Nigeria is presently fourth in cocoa production behind Ivory Coast, Ghana and Indonesia with about 2.2 million MTS, 800,000 MTS and 739,483 MTS respectively, while Nigeria with 340,000 MTS and currently targeting 500,000 MTS by the year 2024.

“It accounts for 6.5 percent share of global production, after Ivory Coast, Ghana and Indonesia. Nigeria currently realises $700 million annually from the exports of cocoa beans and cannot afford to lose guard considering her huge investments in the cocoa industry that valued close to 500 billion naira,” Adegoke said.

Stakeholders have already begun taking numerous actions that are presently addressing some of the challenges militating against the sustainability of the sector like child labour menace, deforestation, traceability, application of unapproved or banned pesticide in cocoa farms, among others.

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From menstrual cramp relief to hair care: 7 ways to use rice water for your health

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Rice water is a versatile and natural solution with health benefits. Read on to know seven ways to use rice water.

Ever wondered if there’s more to rice water than just a cooking byproduct? Well, turns out, this humble liquid might hold the secret to some fantastic health benefits! Yes, you heard that right – the same water you drain after cooking rice has a bunch of amazing perks for your body. So, let’s explore the many ways in which you can use rice water to promote your overall well-being and achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Rice water has been gaining popularity as a natural health elixir with numerous benefits for the body. Packed with essential nutrients and compounds, this simple and cost-effective remedy has been used for centuries in Asian cultures for various health purposes.

Ways to use rice water for maximum health benefits

1. Digestive health

According to the 2021 study published by the National Institute of Health, rice water contains starch, which is known for its soothing properties that can aid in relieving digestive issues. If you are experiencing diarrhea or an upset stomach, try consuming a small glass of diluted rice water. The starch acts as a binding agent, helping to alleviate discomfort and promoting a more stable gut environment.

2. Rehydration

After a bout of illness or vigorous physical activity, it’s essential to rehydrate properly. Rice water offers a natural electrolyte balance, making it an ideal choice for rehydration. The fluid helps restore lost fluids and minerals, preventing dehydration and fatigue.

3. Skin Care

Rice water is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can work wonders for your skin. It has been used as a traditional beauty treatment in many Asian countries to achieve flawless and radiant skin. You can apply rice water as a toner, gently dabbing it on your face with a cotton ball or use it as a soothing bath soak to relieve irritated skin conditions like eczema or sunburn.

4. Hair Care

Nourishing your hair with rice water can improve its strength and appearance. The amino acids present in rice water help repair damaged hair follicles and reduce hair breakage. After shampooing, rinse your hair with rice water hair serum to promote shine and overall hair health. For added benefits, you can also use fermented rice water, as it enhances the concentration of nutrients and boosts its nourishing properly.

5. Immune Support

A strong immune system is crucial for preventing illness and maintaining optimal health. A 2022 study published by the National Institute of Health states that rice water contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B, iron, zinc, and magnesium, that support the immune system’s function. Regular consumption of rice water can help fortify your body’s defense against infections and diseases.

6. Menstrual Cramp Relief

A study published by the National Institute of Health believes that for women experiencing menstrual cramps, rice water can be a natural remedy for menstrual cramps. The relaxing properties of rice water can help soothe muscle contractions and reduce pain during menstruation. Drink a warm cup of rice water when you feel discomfort to experience relief.

7. Weight Management

If you’re looking to shed some extra pounds, rice water may assist you on your weight loss journey. It is low in calories and can serve as a healthy alternative to sugary beverages. Drinking rice water may help you feel fuller for longer, reducing the temptation to snack between meals.

Whether you choose to consume it or apply it topically, incorporating rice water into your daily routine can lead to a healthier and more vibrant life. Embrace the power of rice water and unlock its potential for a healthier you!

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I could reduce onion and tomato imports with Cecilia Dapaah’s money — John Dumelo

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The astute farmer and prolific actor, John Dumelo has expressed his zeal to reduce the importation of onion and tomatoes from Niger and Burkina Faso respectively.

Dumelo, who is also a vocal advocate for local agriculture, said that he could achieve this goal if he had just a fraction of the $1 million that was allegedly stolen from former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah.

According to the renowned actor, farmer, and politician, he would use the money to expand his own onion and tomato farm, and to invest in modern irrigation techniques and high-yielding seeds. He believes that this would allow him to produce more vegetables locally, which would reduce the need to import them from neighbouring countries.

“Only if I had a fraction of Cecelia Dapaa’s $1m, the importation of onions and tomatoes from Burkina and Niger will reduce by 10% in 2024 and 19% in 2025. I will invest it heavily in irrigation and high yielding seeds and make some good profits. So help me God!”, he said this on his Twitter page.

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The mid-year budget outlines key initiatives for food sufficiency in Ghana.

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The government remains committed and on course with initiatives geared toward promoting food sufficiency and boosting agricultural development under the GhanaCARES programme, Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta has said.

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Planting for Food and Jobs has increased food security in Ghana –Ken Ofori-Atta.

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The Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has touted the achievements of the Planting for Food and Jobs Initiative.

Planting for Food and Jobs is a flagship agricultural Campaign of the Government, with five implementation modules.

Presenting the 2023 mid-year budget in Parliament on Monday, July 31, the Finance Minister said that the initiative has brought substantial improvements in Ghana’s agriculture sector.

“This has resulted in increased food security, employment along agricultural value chains, and accessibility of raw materials for developing industries.

“The programme has directly contributed to increased crop yields for major food staples such as maize, rice, and soya by 135 percent, 67 percent and 18 percent respectively within the period,” he said.

He added “After a comprehensive review, Government is finalising PfJ Phase II to ensure a more efficient and targeted support for the agricultural sector.

“The key elements of Phase II are Inputs Credit System, Storage and Distribution Infrastructure, Commodity Trading and Digitised Platform.”

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Auditor General’s Report: Over GH¢7 million cocoa fertilizer cash missing

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The 2022 Auditor-General’s report has revealed Payment of GH¢7,192,235 received from individual cocoa farmers for supply of Cocoa Hi Tech (fertilizers) could not be traced to the co-operative they belong.

Under the Hi-Tech/CODAPEC program, payment is expected to be made into a designated bank account by the Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) and Farmer Co-operatives. Thus, the payment should be made by the co-operatives or LBCs and not the individual members.

However, under the programme fertilizers procured by Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) are distributed to the farmers through the LBCs and the farmer co-operatives.

According to the report, some farmers who are members of the co-operatives pay directly for the fertilizers distributed to them into the designated bank account with their individual personal names instead of using the name of the LBC or co-operative thus making it very difficult to trace and update the indebtedness of the co-operatives or the LBCs with payments received.

“This practice made it difficult to determine the indebtedness of each co-operative or LBC to COCOBOD. The practice could also create an opportunity for co-operatives or LBC and their members to default on the payment of the fertilizers without notice as COCOBOD was unable to determine their outstanding balances.”

Management responding to the findings of the report said “the total amount of GH¢7,192,235 were paid into COCOBOD’s bank account by various cocoa farmers without indicating the co-operative groups they belong to. Majority of the payments relates to the period 2018 to 2021 making it difficult to trace the farmers and their co-operatives.

However, staff of COCOBOD on the field were tasked to liaise with Community Extension Agents (CEAs) to identify the co-operatives the farmers belong to in order to allocate the amount to the appropriate co-operative account.

The exercise led to the identification of the co-operatives of some farmers, and an amount of GH¢2,118,600 of the unallocated receipts have now been allocated thereby reducing the unallocated balance to GH¢5,073,635.”

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PAC demands report of payment on cocoa roads contracts in 2 weeks.

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The directed the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to produce a report on payments made to cocoa road contractors from 2020 to the present.

The committee particularly directed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of COCOBOD, Joseph Boahene-Aidoo, to produce the report in two weeks, failure of which he and other top management members of the board would be sanctioned.

He referred to Article 103 (3) of the Constitution which stipulates that “(6) A committee appointed under this article shall have the powers, rights and privileges of the High Court or a Justice of the High Court at a trial for— (a) enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examining them on oath, affirmation or otherwise; (b) compelling the production of documents; and (c) issuing a commission or request to examine witnesses abroad”.

“I am using these powers to demand for that document.

This is a committee of Parliament, and this is a Constitution that gave us that power, and so we want you to give us that report,” the chairman demanded.

Engaging the CEO of COCOBOD over some infractions contained in the Auditor-General’s 2021 Report on the board, Dr Avedzi said: “Whether the report has been submitted somewhere else, we are demanding it, and we give you two weeks.

“It is a report and the work has been done.

It is a matter of pulling it from the drawer,” he said.

Why directive?

Dr Avedzi gave the directive when the COCOBOD CEO and other management members appeared before the committee yesterday.

Per the Auditor-General’s report, the records of COCOBOD showed that the board had been burdened with a relatively high loan portfolio over the years.

It said the board had debts totalling GH¢12.3 billion on its records as of the end of the 2019/2020 financial year.

“The debt burden resulted in increased finance costs over the years.

This, if not managed effectively, could lead to the crippling of the cocoa industry,” the report said.

Cocoa roads

A member of the committee, Kwame Governs Agbodza, asked the COCOBOD management what part of the company’s indebtedness was to cocoa road contractors for works certified in 2020.

He also quizzed if the figure owed contractors had improved or depreciated in terms of debt situation regarding cocoa roads.

In the view of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Adaklu, cocoa road contractors were also Ghanaians who aided the work the board did in the country, and thus there could not be a better opportunity for COCOBOD to give them (contractors) some assurance.

The information we want is not witch-hunting but just to find information to the problem that affects everybody in this country,” he said.

When the chairman asked Mr Agbodza if the report was submitted to him, the Adaklu MP said the immediate former Minister of Food and Agriculture “did make a public comment that he submitted the report to Parliament”.

We demand report copy

Intervening, Dr Avedzi questioned why since September 2020 when the board’s account was prepared, management did not have money to pay cocoa road contractors.

He, therefore, directed that in providing the information to the committee, the board must disclose what was the current debt of COCOBOD to cocoa road contractors as of September 2020.

Unfulfilled promise

Dr Avedzi pointed out that the last time the CEO of COCOBOD appeared before the PAC, the committee demanded that he furnished them with an indebtedness report on cocoa roads.

“We demanded the report but you did not provide it to the committee.

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Germany, Spain diverge over EU body’s glyphosate verdict.

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The agriculture ministers of Spain and Germany have opposite views on what the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) recent verdict on glyphosate should mean for the decision on re-approving the contentious herbicide.

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World Food Programme partners Agrihouse Foundation for the 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards.

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World Food Programme (WFP), Has Signed a Partnership with Agrihouse Foundation towards the 5th Edition of the Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in The Soil Awards. set for July 26th to 27th at the Bedtime Hotel in Koforidua in the Eastern Region.

The partnership, in the form of technical and financial assistance to help women farmers, farmers with disabilities and agro-processors to foster the growth of Ghana’s Agriculture sector and generally improve food and nutrition security.

Speaking about the partnership, Mrs. Barbara Tulu Clemens, WFP Country Director, emphasized the importance of supporting marginalized groups, especially women, youth, and people living with disabilities, as outlined in WFP’s Next Generation Country Strategic Plan for 2024-2028. WFP’s cross-cutting objectives include identifying fundings for climate adaptive projects and working with key Ministries and Organizations to explore opportunities for climate offset credit.

“We have identified funding for climate adaptive projects as one of the key cross-cutting objectives within our country strategic plan for WFP. Our aim is to collaborate with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance to identify opportunities for climate offset credit, which aligns with interventions like the WOFAGRIC and gold in the soil awards intervention,” she added.

The WFP Country Director, also emphasized that WFP is committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2, which is zero hunger. Additionally, she advised the youth to consider agriculture as a laudable vocation, highlighting its importance in promoting food security and sustainable development.

Mrs Clemens said during the two-day event, WFP would lead discussions on changing entrenched socio-cultural norms and breaking traditional barriers critical to the development of Agri women in the agricultural value chain -the role of stakeholders.

She said they will also lead, training and mentorship section to empower and train women farmers and farmers with disabilities to help build up their capacity to scale up their business Management, Food Safety and Quality Standards.  Adding that smallholder farmers would get the opportunity to learn about innovations and technologies, participate in trainings, exhibitions, field demonstrations and market linkages.

The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa expressed her appreciation for the World Food Programme’s partnership and emphasized the World Food Programme’s pivotal role in empowering women in agriculture and promoting food security. She highlighted WFP’s steadfast commitment to fostering progress and resilience in vulnerable regions and its recognition of the crucial contributions of women and girls in shaping societies, which align perfectly with the mission of the Women in Food & Agriculture Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in The Soil Awards.

“Together, we stand united in our dedication to leave no one behind and advocate for a future where hunger is eradicated, and prosperity is attainable for all. This partnership exemplifies the transformative power of agriculture, making a positive impact on the lives of millions and paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future,” she added.

The theme for the 5th edition of the Women in Food & Agriculture Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & Gold in The Soil Awards is “OVERCOMING THE BARRIERS TO WOMEN AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS.” This year’s forum aims to celebrate and recognize the outstanding achievements of women farmers and women with disabilities while fostering collaborative efforts towards gender equality and sustainable agricultural practices.

The Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and the gold in the soil awards now in its fifth year, is an interventional platform that provides opportunities for women farmers and farmers with disabilities across various value chain in the agricultural sector, that seeks to recognize, celebrate, award, mentor and train them.

Now in its fifth year, the Women in Food & Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & Gold in The Soil Awards is an annual Regional rotational intervention, that has moved from the volta Region, Ashanti Region, Western and Western North Regions and Upper East and Upper West Regions providing mentorship, networking, and financial support to over five thousand (5000) women across the agricultural value chain. The program targets women farmers and farmers with disabilities, agripreneurs, key stakeholders, development partners, researchers, farmer groups, government agencies, businesses, professional advisors, and corporate organizations, further fostering a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector.

The two-day event to be held at the Bedtime Hotel in Koforidua, will feature over 600 participants engaging in activities, including break-out panel discussions, training workshops, exhibitions, trade shows, speed networking, and mentorship sessions. These components will empower participants to gain valuable insights, exchange best practices, and forge collaborations that have the potential to reshape the future of agriculture in Ghana.

One of the highlights of the event will be the prestigious Gold in The Soil Awards, recognizing and honouring exceptional women farmers and women with disabilities who have made remarkable contributions to the agricultural industry. Their unwavering dedication, innovative approaches, and transformative impact will be celebrated, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and drive further progress within the sector.

As Agrihouse Foundation continues its journey towards agricultural transformation, the role of women farmers and women with disabilities cannot be overstated. Their resilience, expertise, and determination are integral to ensuring food security, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering economic growth.

World Food Programme’s partnership with Agrihouse Foundation reaffirms its strong belief in the potential of Ghanaian women to drive transformative change in agriculture. By collaborating on this empowering initiative, the World Food Program continues to be a driving force in the nation’s progress and prosperity, actively contributing to the growth and development of the agricultural sector.

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