BTA2023 The 14th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition will be hosted by the European Union Ghana Agriculture Programme in collaboration with the Agrihouse Foundation for the fourth year in a row.
This is accomplished through two GIZ-implemented projects: the Market Oriented Agriculture Programme in North-West (MOAP NW) and Resilience Against Climate Change (REACH).
Scheduled for October 29th and 30th, 2024, at the Alhaji Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale, with the theme “Connecting the Unconnected – Feeding the Future through Innovative and Technological Approaches.” This year’s focus will be on improving market linkages, encouraging innovation, and increasing productivity in Ghana’s agriculture sector.
Since 2019, GIZ – EUGAP has been a consistent supporter of the Agrihouse Foundation’s annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition. This assistance has promoted sustainable farming practices while increasing resilience, creating market links, and contributing to the development of Ghana’s agricultural industry.
This alliance has effectively developed strong business relationships between farmers, agribusinesses, and sector stakeholders. So far, GIZ-EUGAP has facilitated market linkages for over 50 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), enabling agro-processors to grow their markets and adopt climate-smart farming practices through practical field sessions sponsored by Agrihouse.
Sarah Rüffler, Commission Manager of the GIZ-EUGAP initiative Sustainable Employment through Agribusiness,” noted at the conference launch that the partnership with the Agrihouse Foundation extends beyond sponsorship.
We all share the same primary mission: to improve market access, promote sustainable farming practices, and ensure food security. This is especially important today, as the north of the country is experiencing a drought.
Over 50 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have benefited from our collaboration with the Agrihouse Foundation. These agro-processor-owned enterprises have grown their markets beyond their current areas as a result of the networks formed during exhibitions.
They have also been introduced to climate-smart agricultural practices through the Agrihouse Foundation’s practical field sessions, which have helped them develop sustainable livelihoods while simultaneously improving climate resilience in the face of unexpected weather patterns.
According to her, this effort not only provides farmers with an affordable pest management solution, but it also empowers women, resulting in greater gender inclusion and higher farmer revenues.
She advocated for increased collaboration and innovation to assist establish a sustainable, efficient, and resilient agricultural system. “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 told the crowd.
In a statement, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, expressed her sincere thanks for the fourth straight year of partnership with GIZ EUGAP for the annual pre-harvest agribusiness conference and expo.
“We sincerely appreciate their continuous support. This collaboration has been crucial in effecting positive change in our agricultural community. Over the years, we’ve seen how it has transformed the lives of farmers, agribusinesses, and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.”
She emphasized the critical role this collaboration plays in supporting growth, sustainability, and connection within the agricultural sector, saying, “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 evolved into more than just a conference; it now serves as a catalyst for change and advancement. It’s where deals are made, information is given, and relationships are formed.”
Ms. Akosa emphasized the Pre-Harvest event’s critical role in establishing market linkages and increasing the capacity of over 150,000 value chain actors and stakeholders, including farmer groups and buyers, development partners, policymakers, agribusinesses, ICT specialists, aggregators, and others.
She emphasized how the event helped remove barriers to market access for farmers and agribusinesses, consequently increasing economic prospects and boosting livelihoods.
This collaboration demonstrates a commitment to building a solid basis for sustainable agriculture and emphasizes the necessity of value chain connectedness. As the 14th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition approaches, all eyes are focused on how this collaboration will benefit Ghana’s flourishing agricultural sector.
The two-day event will include conference sessions, presentations, exhibitions, and a marketplace to encourage business-to-business connections. Participants will also take part in practical and experiential courses. This is intended to provide more in-depth insights into best practices while also leveraging on the agricultural sector’s diverse potential.
