The European Union (EU), through SNV Ghana, has assisted Andrew Abuska – Founder of Eye of the Brain EcoFeeds – to inaugurate an animal feed and organic fertiliser production facility.
The support aims to help Eye of the Brain EcoFeeds strengthen the agricultural landscape in Akotosu in the Sekyere Kumawu district of Ashanti Region and beyond, by combining innovation, sustainable practices and strategic partnerships.
The facility currently produces about 100 bags of feed and organic fertiliser daily, and hopes to expand in coming months.
Through the EU assistance, Mr. Abuska received a matching grant of GH₵135,000 from the GrEEn Project implemented by SNV Netherlands Development Organisation at the maiden GrEEn Innovation Challenge – after completing a rigorous six-month Incubation Programme facilitated by Recycle-Up, a hub-partner of the project.
The training provided Mr. Abuska with valuable knowledge and skills in various aspects of entrepreneurship, financial management and how to set up business structures to attract investments, among others.
Sharing his experience with B&FT during the ‘Eye of the Brian Ecofeeds’ factory-opening ceremony, Mr. Abuska disclosed that he was trained how to create a thriving green business and manage company finances. He was also guided through developing and pitching his business plan, as well as how to retain clients and secure investors.
Following the training, Mr. Abuska decided to focus on recycling organic waste from household and agro waste, and use them to nurse nutritious maggots to be used in producing pellets and feed for fish and poultry. He acquired a six-plot land with the grant award, where he has built a facility to increase production and storage of his organic feeds.
Using the grant, Andrew Abuska has also purchased machines such as a grinder, pelletiser, heating and frying machines; drilled a borehole for a reliable water supply, and ensured stable electricity connections to power his machines, allowing for efficient and uninterrupted production processes.
Previously, Mr. Abuska faced challenges in meeting demand for his feed due to limited production capacity. According to him, he used to produce about 10-15 bags of feed and fertiliser daily. However, with the EU’s financial support his daily production capacity has increased to 100 bags. As a result he now supplies feed and fertiliser to more farmers – with plans to expand across the country, targetting over 1,000 farmers.
According to him, aside from producing organic feed and fertiliser for farmers, he is working on an integrated farm as well.
“The money given to me by SNV and the EU has enabled me to purchase land and machinery to increase production of my organic feed to supply farmers. Aside from this, I’m currently working on setting up an integrated farm so I can have a fish-pond, piggery and livestock to diversify my income.” he said.
Senior Incubation and Acceleration Advisor at SNV Ghana, Genevieve Parker-Twum, applauded the work and growth of Andrew Abuska’s business. She then elaborated that the GrEEn project will give support to innovative, sustainable businesses created by young people.
“Under the GrEEn Incubation Programme, we have provided business advisory services to over 100 green SMEs; and among these, we come across businesses that are not only sustainable but also have the capacity to create jobs for young people.
“For the GrEEn Innovation Challenge, that’s one of our focuses – the capacity to create jobs when we are awarding matching grants. SNV believes that if we support businesses like this, we help develop the local economy and provide jobs to boost livelihoods,” she stated.
