The European Union Ghana Agriculture Programme has partnered with 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).
Scheduled for October 29th and 30th, 2024, at the Alhaji Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale, under the theme “Connecting the Unconnected – Feeding the Future through Innovative and Technological Approaches.” This year’s focus will be on strengthening market linkages, promoting innovation, and enhancing 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.
This partnership has successfully established robust business linkages between farmers, agribusinesses and stakeholders in the sector. Thus far, GIZ-EUGAP has facilitated market linkages for over 50 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), allowing agro-processors to expand their markets and adopt climate-smart agricultural practices through practical field sessions hosted by Agrihouse.
Speaking at the conference launch, Sarah Rüffler, Commission Manager of the GIZ -EUGAP programme Sustainable Employment through Agribusiness,” stated that the collaboration with Agrihouse Foundation goes 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.
Through our partnership with Agrihouse Foundation, we have successfully facilitated market linkages for over 50 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These businesses, owned by agro-processors, have expanded their markets beyond their current locations due to the networks created during the exhibitions.
They have also been exposed to climate-smart agricultural practices through Agrihouse foundation’s practical field sessions with has help ccreate sustainable livelihoods and enhancing climate resilience despite unpredictable weather patterns.
This initiative according to her not only offers farmers an affordable pest management solution but also empowers women, contributing to gender inclusivity and higher incomes for farmers.
she 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 concluded.
In a statement, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, expressed her profound gratitude for the enduring partnership with GIZ EUGAP for the fourth consecutive time for the annual pre-harvest agribusiness conference and exhibitions.
“We truly appreciate their continued support. This partnership has been instrumental in driving positive change within our agricultural community. Over the years, we’ve witnessed the transformation it has brought to the lives of farmers, agribusinesses, and various stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.”
Emphasizing the vital role this collaboration plays in fostering growth, sustainability, and connectivity within the agricultural sector she stated “Our shared commitment to nurturing growth and promoting sustainable agricultural practices is evident in the impact we’ve achieved together. The Pre-Harvest event has become more than just a conference; it’s a platform for change and progress. It’s where deals are made, knowledge is shared, and connections are forged.”
Ms. Akosa highlighted the Pre-Harvest event’s crucial role in creating market linkages and building the capacity of over 150,000 value chain actors and stakeholders—ranging from farmer groups and buyers to development partners, policymakers, agribusinesses, ICT professionals, aggregators, and more.
She underlined how the event has 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 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. This is aimed at providing deeper insights into best practices and capitalizing on the array of opportunities within the agricultural sector.
