The European Union Ghana Agriculture Programme, (EUGAP) has collaborated with the Agrihouse Foundation for the fourth consecutive year to host the 14th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition.
This is through its GIZ-implemented projects, the Market Oriented Agriculture Programme in North-West (MOAP NW) and the Resilience Against Climate Change (REACH).
It is scheduled for October 29 and 30, 2024, at the Alhaji Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale.
The theme for this year’s event is: ”Connecting the Unconnected – Feeding the Future through Innovative and Technological Approaches.”
The focus is to strengthen market linkages, promote innovation, and enhance productivity within Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Since 2019, GIZ – EUGAP has been a steadfast supporter of Agrihouse Foundation’s Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition.
This support has promoted sustainable agricultural practices while building resilience, providing market linkages and contributing to development
of the agricultural sector in Ghana.
It has successfully established robust business linkages between farmers, agribusinesses and stakeholders in the sector.
The GIZ-EUGAP has facilitated market linkages for over 50 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), allowing agro-processors to expand their markets and adopted climate-smart agricultural practices through practical field sessions hosted by Agrihouse.
Madam Sarah Rffler, Commission Manager, GIZ -EUGAP programme for Sustainable Employment through Agribusiness, speaking at the conference launch, said the collaboration with Agrihouse Foundation was beyond sponsorship.
”We share the core mission of enhancing market access, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring food security. This is particularly crucial today as the North of the country is facing a dry spell,” she stated.
Madam Rffler said through their partnership , they had successfully facilitated market linkages for over 50 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) owne
d by agro-processors expanding their markets beyond their current locations due to the networks created during the exhibitions.
She said the business owners had been exposed to climate-smart agricultural practices through Agrihouse Foundation’s practical field sessions which had created sustainable livelihoods and enhancing climate resilience despite unpredictable weather patterns.
The initiative, according to the Commission Manager, offered farmers an affordable pest management solution and empowered women, contributing to gender inclusivity and higher incomes for farmers.
Madam Rffler called for more collaboration and innovation to help build a sustainable, efficient, and resilient agricultural sector.
‘Together, we can drive change, reduce post-harvest losses, and accelerate the growth of the agricultural sector, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey to a secure and prosperous Ghana,’ she said.
Ms Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director, Agrihouse Foundation, expressed profound grati
tude for the enduring partnership with GIZ-EUGAP for the annual event.
‘We truly appreciate their continued support. This partnership has been instrumental in driving positive change within our agricultural community. Over the years, we have witnessed the transformation it has brought to the lives of farmers, agribusinesses and various stakeholders in the agricultural value chain,’ she said.
Ms Akosa emphasised the vital role the collaboration played in fostering growth, sustainability and connectivity within the agricultural sector.
‘Our shared commitment to nurturing growth and promoting sustainable agricultural practices is evident in the impact we have achieved together. The Pre-Harvest event has become more than just a conference; it is a platform for change and progress. It is where deals are made, knowledge is shared, and connections are forged,’ the Executive Director stated.
She said the event had a crucial role in creating market linkages and building the capacity of over 150,000 value chain act
ors and stakeholders-ranging from farmer groups and buyers to development partners, policymakers, agribusinesses, Information Communication Technology (ICT) professionals, aggregators, and more.
Ms Akosa said the event had contributed to removing constraints on market access for farmers and agribusinesses, thereby enhancing economic opportunities and improving livelihoods.
”This partnership exemplifies a commitment to strengthening the foundation for sustainable agriculture and highlights the importance of connectivity within the value chain. As the 14th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition approaches, all eyes are on the positive impact this collaboration will bring to Ghana’s thriving agricultural sector,” the Executive Director stated.
The two-day event will feature conference sessions, presentations, exhibitions, and a marketplace for fostering business-to-business interactions.
Participants will also engage in practical and immersive sessions aimed at providing deeper insights
into best practices and capitalising on the array of opportunities within the agricultural sector.
Source: Ghana News Agency