The Agrihouse Foundation recently hosted its 14th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition in Tamale, an event designed to unite various stakeholders in the agriculture sector including farmers, buyers, agribusiness professionals, and enthusiasts for a two-day experience of networking, learning, and growth. The core objective of the conference was to empower farmers with strategic negotiation skills, enabling them to negotiate prices effectively with potential buyers while exploring a broader spectrum of opportunities within the agricultural value chain. The gathering aimed not only at knowledge dissemination but also at fostering connections that could enhance productivity and livelihoods among smallholder farmers.
During the conference, the significance of this annual event was highlighted by Mr. Shaani Abubakari, Sagnarigu Municipal Director of Agric, who spoke on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture. He pointed out that the pre-harvest platform has been instrumental in linking smallholder farmers with larger agribusinesses, financial institutions, stakeholders, and government agencies. This linkage has created opportunities for farmers to access new technologies and markets, thus emphasizing the vital role these connections play in empowering them to boost productivity and ultimately improve their living standards. Such partnerships are crucial for the ongoing evolution of the agricultural landscape, particularly in enhancing resilience and resource access for farmers.
Northern Regional Minister Hon. Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu expressed his appreciation for the efforts of Agrihouse Foundation in supporting farmers while acknowledging the importance of agriculture as the foundation of life and economic activity in northern Ghana. He stressed that no reward could adequately compensate for the sacrifices made by farmers and highlighted that agriculture should be seen as a source of hope for development in the region. His remarks underscored a government commitment to fostering meaningful agricultural progress that benefits farmers directly and promotes sustainable growth in the agricultural segment of the economy.
The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, underscored the conference’s critical role in providing a platform for farmers and agribusinesses to promote their operations. She noted that the event not only facilitates market growth and the sharing of best practices but also encourages the establishment of new partnerships that can benefit the agricultural sector overall. Akosa emphasized the event’s educational component, describing insightful sessions that explored the current state and future opportunities of the agriculture industry, which attracted a variety of stakeholders, including input dealers, equipment suppliers, financial institutions, and processors.
The event was made possible through a collaboration between Agrihouse Foundation and the European Union Ghana Agriculture Programme, supported by GIZ-implemented initiatives. This partnership has continually promoted sustainable agricultural practices and improved farmers’ market connections over the past four years. The sustained effort has contributed to Ghana’s agricultural development, highlighting the importance of cooperation among stakeholders in fostering an environment conducive to growth and resilience. By aligning their objectives, the involved parties are better positioned to tackle the challenges facing agriculture in Ghana while promoting innovation and sustainability.
This year, the conference featured various activities including conference sessions, presentations, exhibitions, and a marketplace designed to encourage business-to-business interaction among participants. Sessions were immersive and focused on disseminating best practices and exploring opportunities within the agricultural sector. The theme for this year’s event, “Connecting the Unconnected – Feeding the Future through Innovation and Technical Approaches,” aptly reflects the conference’s mission to foster innovation and efficient practices which are essential for future agricultural success. Through collaboration, learning, and innovation, the Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference strives to ensure farmers are well-equipped to face the dynamic challenges of the agricultural landscape while actively contributing to food security and economic growth.
